Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: How to Make It in one pot

Have you ever tasted a dish so amazing it could make someone pop the question? The famous Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has earned its romantic name for good reason! But who has time for complicated cooking with multiple pots and pans? What if you could create this proposal-worthy meal using just one pot?

Why This One-Pot Wonder Will Change Your Dinner Game

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish and is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The difficulty level is easy – if you can boil water, you can make this dish!

What makes this recipe truly special is the way all the flavors meld together when cooked in one pot. The pasta absorbs the savory chicken broth while releasing its starches, creating an incredibly silky sauce without extra thickeners. It’s a smart cooking method that delivers maximum flavor with minimum cleanup.

Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The Stars of the Show

For the chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the creamy sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed works best)
• 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 3½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine work great)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Why These Ingredients Matter

Chicken breasts provide lean protein and serve as the base of this dish. They’re mild enough to soak up all the amazing flavors we’re adding.

Sun-dried tomatoes are the secret weapon in this recipe. They add an intense, sweet-tart flavor that regular tomatoes just can’t match. The oil they’re packed in adds extra flavor too!

Heavy cream creates that rich, velvety texture that makes this dish so crave-worthy. It balances the acidity from the tomatoes perfectly.

Pasta cooked directly in the sauce absorbs all those delicious flavors while releasing starches that naturally thicken the sauce.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce even more.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Protein: Boneless chicken thighs work great for a more tender result. For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or chickpeas.
• Cream: Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter option.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Roasted red peppers offer a similar sweet flavor if you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes.
• Pasta: Any medium pasta shape works well – rotini, bow ties, or rigatoni are all good choices.
• Cheese: Romano or Asiago cheese can substitute for Parmesan if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, get everything ready:

• Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces
• Chop sun-dried tomatoes
• Mince garlic
• Measure out your broth, cream, and spices

This preparation step (also called “mise en place”) makes the cooking process much smoother.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. Add chicken to the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet).
4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Work in batches if needed so each piece gets nicely browned. Those brown bits on the bottom of the pan add amazing flavor!

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

1. In the same pot (don’t clean it!), add the sun-dried tomato oil.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stirring for 1 minute.
4. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is pure flavor!

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic. It should become fragrant but not brown, which can make it bitter.

Step 4: Build the One-Pot Wonder

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Add uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Return the chicken to the pot.
4. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes (check your pasta package directions and subtract 2 minutes).
6. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Pro tip: Different pasta shapes require different cooking times. Keep an eye on your pasta to ensure it doesn’t overcook. You want it al dente (with a slight bite).

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness

1. When pasta is almost done (al dente), pour in the heavy cream.
2. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir gently.
3. Continue cooking uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Remove from heat and let stand for 3-5 minutes – the sauce will continue to thicken.

Pro tip: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer uncovered.

Serving Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Plating for Maximum Wow-Factor

1. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot in shallow bowls or plates with a rim.
2. Garnish with:
   • Fresh torn basil leaves
   • Extra grated Parmesan
   • A light drizzle of good olive oil
   • A sprinkle of red pepper flakes (for heat lovers)

Perfect Pairings

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• A glass of Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay

Presentation tip: For special occasions, serve this in your best dishes with cloth napkins and candles. Remember, this dish has supposedly prompted marriage proposals!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!

Reheating Instructions

1. Stovetop method: Add a splash of broth or cream and reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Microwave method: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Pro tip: The pasta will absorb sauce as it sits, so adding a little liquid when reheating helps restore the creamy texture.

Make-Ahead Options

If you want to prep components ahead of time:

1. Cook and season the chicken up to a day ahead.
2. Chop sun-dried tomatoes and garlic in advance.
3. Measure out dry ingredients and store at room temperature.

I don’t recommend making the entire dish ahead as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce and may become mushy.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Variations

Mediterranean Version

• Add ½ cup kalamata olives
• Mix in ½ cup artichoke hearts
• Sprinkle with crumbled feta instead of Parmesan

Spicy Cajun Twist

• Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning
• Add ½ pound cooked andouille sausage
• Mix in sautéed bell peppers and onions

Veggie-Loaded Option

• Add 1 cup baby spinach in the last minute of cooking
• Mix in roasted zucchini and bell peppers
• Top with toasted pine nuts

Lighter Version

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Increase the vegetables
• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber

Pro tip: Regardless of which variation you choose, keep the cooking method the same – the one-pot approach is what makes this recipe so special!

Why This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Works Every Time

What makes this recipe so remarkable is how the flavors build on each other in one pot. The starch from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce, while the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes infuse the cooking liquid with incredible depth.

The heavy cream adds richness without making it too heavy, and the touch of heat from red pepper flakes cuts through the creaminess perfectly. It’s a balanced dish that tastes like it took hours, not minutes!

Best of all, the cleanup is minimal – just one pot and your cutting board. This makes it perfect for date nights when you’d rather focus on your companion than washing dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces as you would the breasts.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?

Yes, but rehydrate them first by soaking in hot water for 10 minutes. You’ll also need to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to make up for the missing tomato oil.

Why is my sauce too thin?

If your sauce seems runny, remove the lid and simmer for a few extra minutes. The sauce will also thicken as it stands after cooking.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, but watch the cooking time carefully as gluten-free pasta often cooks differently. You may need to adjust the liquid amount slightly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Cream-based pasta dishes don’t freeze well as they tend to separate when thawed. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers within a few days.

What makes this “Marry Me” chicken?

The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, serving it to your partner might lead to a marriage proposal! The original non-pasta version became popular on social media for its irresistible flavor combination.

Time to Pop the Question!

Now you know how to make the famous Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in just one pot! This dish has all the elements of a memorable meal – it’s creamy, flavorful, a little spicy, and surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, a family dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. The best part? You’ll only have one pot to wash when you’re done!

Don’t be surprised if this dish earns you rave reviews, marriage proposals, or at the very least, requests for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is truly magical.

Go ahead and give this one-pot wonder a try tonight. Who knows what questions it might inspire around your dinner table!