Something about Marry Me Chicken Pasta just feels like being wrapped in a warm kitchen hug. It’s creamy, cozy, and the kind of dinner that makes people pause mid-bite. Pinterest and TikTok made it viral, but here’s the version real families are actually cooking. It’s quick (weeknight easy), looks fancy, and guess what? Anyone can make it.
We’re talking tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a lusciously creamy sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s pantry-friendly toouse fresh or leftover chicken ideas like rotisserie or frozen grilled cuts. Think of it like your favorite Alfredo, but with a little Tuscan glow. Quick chicken recipes don’t get much more craveable. Full details in the blog!
I grew up with big Sunday pastas and creamy chicken meals that fed a crowd, so this one landed right in my heart. I tweak tradition with a lighter touch, and yesI tested it with both fresh and leftover rotisserie chicken. You’ll love the trick that makes the sauce silky but lighter than you think!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This dish is pure comfort: creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a touch of tomato for a deliciously balanced flavor. It’s also practical, using pantry staples and easily adaptable to include leftover chicken ideas or even rotisserie chicken recipes leftover easy.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutesperfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Works beautifully with chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken.
Approachable: Straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly yet elegant enough for special occasions.
Cozy & Nostalgic: Feels like your favorite creamy pasta but with a Tuscan-inspired twist.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
No complicated or hard-to-find ingredients here! Everything you need is likely in your pantry or fridgemaking it a great go-to for quick chicken recipes.
Ingredient
Role in the Recipe
Uncooked Pasta
The base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
Butter & Flour
Create the base of a smooth, rich sauce.
Garlic & Tomato Paste
Add depth of flavor and a light tang.
Heavy Cream
The key to that luxurious, silky sauce (don’t skip it!).
Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Oregano
Add a burst of Tuscan-inspired flavor.
Cooked/Shredded Chicken
Use rotisserie, leftover chicken breast, or canned for ease.
Parmesan Cheese
The salty, savory finish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Making this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is as simple as boiling pasta and stirring a dreamy sauce together. Don’t stressyour kitchen doesn’t need to be spotless for this to turn out perfectly!
Cook your pasta according to package directions in salted watersave some water before draining.
Melt butter in a skillet, then whisk in the flour to create the base of your sauce. Sauté garlic and tomato paste for extra flavor.
Add wine or chicken broth and let it bubble, reducing slightly.
Whisk in the cream, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chicken. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Stir in parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
Step
Timing
Boil Pasta
10 minutes
Make Sauce
15 minutes
Toss & Serve
5 minutes
Pro Tips & Substitutions
This recipe is forgiving and adaptableperfect for whatever chicken you have on hand or even dietary tweaks.
Swap Chicken: Use canned chicken recipes or chopped chicken recipes for convenience.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with a thick non-dairy alternative (coconut cream works best).
Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or mushrooms for an extra touch of nutrition.
No Wine? Use chicken brothit adds just as much flavor.
Ingredient
Substitution
White Wine
Chicken Broth
Rotisserie Chicken
Canned or Leftover Chicken Breast
Heavy Cream
Full-Fat Coconut Cream
Serving & Storing
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can feel just as special once reheated. Here’s how to enjoy it now and later:
Serving: Pair with garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
Storage Method
Tips
Fridge
Use within 3 days; keep airtight to prevent drying out.
Freezer
Not ideal due to the cream-based sauce (freezing can change the texture).
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce that balances richness and acidity perfectly. This dish’s appeal lies in its harmonious blend of textures and ingredients, making it both comforting and eleganta great way to elevate simple pasta into something truly memorable.
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How I Perfected My Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Getting my Marry Me Chicken Pasta just right took several triesone time I overcooked the chicken, and another I added too much spice. Through those lessons, I refined the balance between creamy sauce and tender chicken. This recipe reflects all those moments, delivering a dish that’s both comforting and healthful every time.
FAQs ( Marry Me Chicken Pasta )
Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?
This dish gets its romantic name because it’s supposedly so delicious that anyone who tastes it will want to marry the person who made it! The creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs creates such an irresistible combination that it’s become legendary for impressing dates and family members alike. It’s one of those quick chicken recipes that delivers restaurant-quality results at home, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to show someone you care.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this recipe even quicker to prepare. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the creamy sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through. This variation turns Marry Me Chicken Pasta into one of the easiest leftover chicken ideas, cutting your cooking time in half while still delivering all that amazing flavor.
What type of pasta works best with Marry Me Chicken?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work beautifully with this creamy sauce because their shapes hold onto the rich, herb-infused cream sauce perfectly. The tubes and ridges in penne and rigatoni capture every bit of that sun-dried tomato goodness, while fettuccine provides a classic, elegant presentation. Choose a pasta shape with some texture or width so the creamy sauce doesn’t slide right off, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.
How long does Marry Me Chicken Pasta take to make?
This recipe typically takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it one of the best chicken breast dinner ideas for busy weeknights. The chicken takes about 6-8 minutes per side to cook through, while the pasta boils simultaneously to save time. Once you add the cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings, everything comes together in just a few minutes for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly quick to prepare.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time, though it’s best served fresh for optimal texture. Store the cooked pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making this an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining when you want to get ahead of the game.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your new go-to for a cozy, satisfying dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. The creamy sauce hugs tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes perfectlysimple, yet elegant. You’ll love how easily it turns weeknight dinner into something special without fuss.
Feel free to swap in leftover rotisserie chicken or use canned chicken for a quick fix. Add fresh spinach for a little green boost, or lighten up with a dairy-free cream alternative. Store leftovers airtight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of brothtrust me, this is a keeper in your chicken breast dinner ideas arsenal.
Did this recipe bring back any familiar kitchen memories? I’d love to see your photos or hear about your favorite twists. Share it with friends, make it for the ones you love, and let every bite remind youhomemade can feel that good, every time.
Joe Rooney
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Quick and Irresistible Delight
Fall in love with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe that combines the ease of rotisserie chicken with a rich garlic tomato cream sauce. Perfect for Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas, Leftover Chicken Ideas, and Quick Chicken Recipes, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes and bursts with flavor in every bite.
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + more for serving
1 small handful fresh basil torn/chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Method
Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Once it melts, sprinkle the flour in and cook for about a minute, stirring often.
Add in the garlic, tomato paste, and wine. Give it a good stir and let it bubble for about one minute.
Whisk in the cream, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chicken, and cook it for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Stir in the parmesan and basil and take the skillet off the heat. Season generously with salt & pepper.
Prior to draining the pasta, reserve some of the hot pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. If needed, pour in a splash of the hot pasta water to the sauce to thin it out a bit. Serve immediately with more parmesan if desired.
Notes
I don’t recommend subbing the heavy cream for anything with a lower fat content (e.g. half-and-half or milk) because the tomato in the sauce is likely to curdle it, and you’ll have to add more flour to thicken the sauce.
