Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish

Ever heard of a dish so good it could spark a proposal? Marry Me Chicken Pasta might be the one. This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is rich, flavorful, and effortlessly romantic.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a date-night dish that feels fancy, it’s no wonder this recipe went viral. I first tried it out of curiosity, and after just one bite, my partner looked up and said, “You’ve outdone yourself.” That’s when I knew—this one’s a keeper.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home with simple steps, pro tips, and easy variations for every lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Only 30 Minutes to Make!

  • Rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce

  • Perfect for date nights or family dinners

  • TikTok-famous recipe – now simplified!

  • Customizable: Add spinach or bake it

  • Meal-prep friendly & freezer safe

  • Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or healthier

Whether you’re looking for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe or curious about the viral version, this is the complete guide you need.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here’s what you need to make this mouthwatering dish:

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Fresh for best texture

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – For that golden sear

  • 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground

  • 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds smoky warmth

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – The flavor base

  • 1 cup heavy cream – Key to a creamy sauce

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds depth

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Use fresh for best melt

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Subtle herb aroma

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Earthy contrast

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Tangy and bold

  • 10 oz penne pasta – Holds sauce perfectly

  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Optional Substitutions:

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

  • Choose gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.

  • Add spinach for more nutrients and color.

  • Bake it into a Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake with mozzarella on top!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish
Marry Me Chicken Pasta – optimalrecipes.com

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step by Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 10 oz of penne pasta until al dente, as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

  • Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.

  • Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

  • Remove and rest on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.

  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze.

  • Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add Herbs & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  • Stir in thyme and oregano.

  • Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer the sauce for 4–5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Chicken & Pasta

  • Slice or cube the chicken, then return it to the skillet.

  • Let it soak in the sauce for 5 minutes.

  • Add pasta and toss gently to coat every piece.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and serve hot. Your easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to impress!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Sear the chicken well for deeper flavor.

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.

  •  Add spinach during the final 2 minutes of simmering for a vibrant twist.

  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil work best—drain before chopping.

  •  Make it a Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake: top with mozzarella and broil until bubbly.

  •  Want it lighter? Use half-and-half and skip the pasta for zoodles!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish
Marry Me Chicken Pasta – optimalrecipes.com

Best Ways to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  •  With crusty garlic bread

  •  Alongside a fresh Caesar or arugula salad

  •  Serve family-style in a big bowl topped with extra Parmesan

  •  Double the recipe for meal prep—it reheats beautifully!

Pro Tip: The best way to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta is with a fresh green salad and garlic bread on the side for a complete, balanced meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):

  • Calories: 590 kcal

  • Protein: 42g

  • Carbs: 36g

  • Fat: 32g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 5g

Looking for a healthier version? Swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt and use whole wheat pasta!

Storage & Leftovers

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Q: How long does Marry Me Chicken Pasta last in the fridge?
A: Up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish
Marry Me Chicken Pasta – optimalrecipes.com

Quick Answers for You

What pasta goes with Marry Me Chicken?

Penne is the best choice, but rotini or fettuccine also work well.

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?

The name comes from how insanely delicious it is—legend has it, it’s so good it’ll inspire a marriage proposal!

Is Marry Me Chicken better with rice or pasta?

Pasta is the classic choice, but creamy Marry Me Chicken also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice.

What to season Marry Me Chicken with?

Salt, pepper, paprika for the chicken—and thyme, oregano, and garlic for the sauce.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you love Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll be obsessed with these too!

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you know how to make the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home—a creamy, dreamy, one-skillet wonder that’s sure to wow your family, friends, or significant other.

Whether you’re cooking it up for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction.

Have you tried this dish yet? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow foodies and tag us if you post it on TikTok or Instagram!

Because who knows? This pasta might just spark a proposal.

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish


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  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly rich, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe features pan-seared chicken, a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes tossed with penne pasta—an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you’re craving serious comfort food.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 10 oz penne pasta
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan.
  6. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Stir in dried thyme, oregano, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 4–5 minutes to thicken.
  8. Slice or cube the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes.
  9. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce texture.
  • Add spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
  • Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter option.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 590 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

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