What do you get when you mix tender, bite-sized chicken, a velvety tomato cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and a pile of pasta? A dinner that’s so good, it just might inspire someone to pop the question.
That’s the legend behind Marry Me Chicken—a dish with a name as irresistible as its flavor. Rumor has it, the original recipe went viral back in 2015, earning its name because it was that delicious. We’ve taken that idea and turned it into a pasta-packed, weeknight-friendly version that's just as swoon-worthy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Our version uses bite-sized chicken pieces for faster cooking, a flavorful tomato-garlic roux for richness, and pasta to make it a one-pan meal that feels cozy and elevated. Whether you're cooking for someone special or just want to treat yourself, this dish is pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
STEP 1: Sear the Chicken - Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If using a cast iron pan, avoid overcrowding the chicken to get that perfect sear. Transfer to a plate when done.
STEP 2: Create the Roux - In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Stir in tomato paste and flour to create a roux.
STEP 3: Creating the Sauce - Whisk in broth and cream. Let it simmer and thicken, then stir in Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings.
STEP 4: Putting it all together - Cook your pasta, drain (reserving some water), and toss it with the sauce and chicken. Use a splash of pasta water to bring it all together.
5. Finish & Serve - Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Traditional Marry Me Chicken vs. our recipe:
| Feature | Original Marry Me Chicken | Marry Me Chicken Pasta |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Preparation | Whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Main Dish | Typically served as a standalone chicken dish | Served with pasta, turning it into a complete meal |
| Pasta | No pasta included | Includes 3 cups of pasta |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Not included | ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes added for extra flavor |
| Sauce Base | Simple creamy sauce with heavy cream and broth | More complex sauce with broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, and cheese |
I hope you love this twist on Marry Me Chicken Pasta as much as I do! It's the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. Trust me, if you're looking for a comforting meal that everyone will love, this is it.
If you try it, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear what you think or see how you’ve made it your own. And if you're craving more quick, flavorful meals, I’ve got plenty more weeknight recipes to share.
I’m always here to help you make your kitchen a place of joy and good food!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Dinner
Description
A twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Boneless, skinless Chicken breasts (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. Butter
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. Tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp. FlourÂ
- 1 ½ Cups Chicken brothÂ
- 1 Cup Heavy cream
- ½ Cup freshly grated Parmesan cheeseÂ
- ½ Cup Sundried tomatoesÂ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoningÂ
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakesÂ
- 3 Cups PastaÂ
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, undisturbed, until well-browned on all sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes total). Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute.
- Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
- Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the sauce. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat everything.
- Stir until well combined and heated through. Garnish generously with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
