This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is everything you could ever want in a weeknight dinner—quick, creamy, and packed with flavors that will make your taste buds do a happy dance! It’s the kind of dish that’s so delicious, you’ll be tempted to ask someone to marry you after the first bite (but don’t, unless you’re sure)! With the ease of one pot, minimal clean-up, and a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, this is going to become your go-to for busy evenings when you crave comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days when you still want something delicious and satisfying.
One-Pot Wonder: No fuss, no mess—everything cooks in one pot, so you can focus on enjoying the meal, not cleaning up afterwards.
Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce makes each bite indulgent and comforting. Plus, the flavors are out of this world!
Customizable: You can tweak this recipe to fit your preferences, whether you like a little extra spice, want to swap the chicken for something else, or toss in some extra veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this mouthwatering One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, here’s what you’ll need to pull it all together:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay juicy, providing the perfect protein for your pasta dish.
Pasta: Any short pasta works here—penne, rotini, or fusilli. You want something that will soak up that creamy sauce just right.
Heavy Cream: This is the magic ingredient that gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture. It’s what makes this dish feel luxurious without any complicated steps.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a savory, salty kick that brings the whole dish together. You can never go wrong with cheese!
Garlic: The garlic in this recipe is key to infusing the sauce with that aromatic, savory punch that enhances all the other flavors.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of tangy, umami flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese. They elevate the dish to another level!
Italian Seasoning: A quick sprinkle of Italian seasoning gives the dish that quintessential Mediterranean flavor profile. You can adjust it based on your taste.
Olive Oil: Just a bit for sautéing the chicken and garlic. It helps develop that crispy, golden crust on the chicken, which is a lovely textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a tiny bit of heat to balance out the creamy richness, but feel free to skip them if you’re not into spice!

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try with your One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Veggie Boost: Add some spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor. These will cook right into the creamy sauce, making them a delicious addition.
Different Proteins: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a twist on the original.
Cheese Swap: Try using mozzarella, fontina, or goat cheese in place of parmesan to change the flavor profile of the sauce.
Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño for an extra kick.

How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Add in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta and enough water or chicken broth to just cover it. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Combine

While the pasta is cooking, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta is done, stir in the shredded chicken and let everything come together for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks. Overcooked chicken can be dry, so aim for juicy, tender pieces that will shred easily.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan works best here. The pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt into the sauce as smoothly, so take the extra minute to grate it yourself!
Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If you like your pasta a bit saucier, simply add a little more cream or chicken broth to thin out the sauce to your liking.
Pasta Tips: Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Adding a bit more liquid if it gets too thick can help ensure it cooks evenly.

How to Serve

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a meal in itself, but you can always pair it with some tasty sides to round it out.

Garnishes:

Top your dish with fresh basil, a few extra shavings of parmesan, or even a handful of arugula for a peppery kick.

Side Dishes:

Pair it with a crisp green salad, some garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A simple side of sautéed spinach or asparagus also makes a wonderful complement to the creamy pasta.

Drinks:

A chilled glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing beverage pairing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

Freezing

You can freeze the One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the pasta with any other short pasta you prefer, such as farfalle, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re a little juicier and can bring even more flavor to the dish.

Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option. The sauce may be a little thinner, but still delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Adding spinach, peas, or even zucchini would be a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into this dish. Just toss them in with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for a little extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that’ll have you craving seconds and making it week after week. It’s incredibly simple to make, but the flavors are so rich and indulgent—it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe will never disappoint. So grab your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dinner!

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe