Nothing quite beats a creamy, dreamy dinner that feels like it was made with love — and that’s exactly what this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers. Rich sauce, tender chicken, and pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor make it a meal worth going for any night of the week.

A large white pan filled with creamy orange pasta sauce coating short penne pasta and chunks of light brown cooked chicken, with small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes mixed in. The dish is garnished with finely chopped green herbs and a few fresh basil leaves scattered on top. A wooden spoon rests on the right side, partially covered in the sauce. Around the pan, fresh green basil leaves and bowls with white grated cheese and red chili flakes can be seen on a white marbled surface. The sauce looks rich and smooth, covering every piece of pasta and chicken evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the first time I made this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, I knew it was going to be a staple in my kitchen. The sauce feels indulgent but comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have. Let me tell you why this one’s special.

Ultimate Creamy Sauce: The combination of chicken broth, half-and-half, and Parmesan creates a sauce that’s rich without being too heavy.
Tender, Flavor-Packed Chicken: The spice rub and quick sear lock in juiciness that melts in your mouth every single time.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes for Brightness: They add just the right tang and texture to balance the creamy sauce perfectly.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add a bit of heat or swap pasta types, this dish adapts beautifully to your preferences.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: small penne pasta coated in a light orange creamy sauce, chunky pieces of cooked chicken mixed throughout in the sauce, and bits of red sun-dried tomatoes. The pasta is topped with fresh green basil leaves and chopped herbs sprinkled evenly, along with cracked black pepper adding tiny dark specks across the top. The textures show smooth sauce, tender chicken pieces, and soft pasta all combined in a rich, comforting mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in the thoughtful blend of ingredients — the creamy dairy pairs perfectly with savory chicken and the bright, chewy sun-dried tomatoes give it just enough bite. Here’s a look at what makes each element a key player.

Flat lay of two medium raw chicken breasts with a light sprinkle of mixed spices (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika) visible on their surface, a small white ceramic bowl filled with amber olive oil, uncooked dry penne pasta loosely scattered, a few tablespoons of golden unsalted butter in a small white bowl, one large shallot with papery skin partially peeled and some finely chopped pieces beside it, several fresh garlic cloves whole and unpeeled, a small white bowl holding bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl with pale beige all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with clear low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl containing creamy white half-and-half, a small white bowl with finely chopped deep red sun-dried tomatoes, a small mound of crushed golden chicken bouillon powder, a small heap of finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley and basil arranged neatly – all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Using medium chicken breasts sliced thin allows quick cooking and tender cutlets that soak up the seasoning.
Olive oil: The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes adds depth; plus, a drizzle on the chicken keeps it moist.
Shallots: They sauté beautifully to form a sweet, delicate base for the sauce without overpowering.
Garlic: Always a must for that rich, aromatic flavor that elevates the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for gentle warmth, but you can always tweak it to your heat preference.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s richness.
Flour: Creates a luscious roux, giving the sauce that perfectly velvety texture.
Chicken broth: Adds savory umami while keeping the sauce light.
Half and half: Creamy without heaviness—feel free to substitute milk mixed with cornstarch if you prefer lighter.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their bright, tangy flavor is the star for balance against the creamy sauce.
Chicken bouillon: Intensifies the chicken flavor without salt overload.
Dried herbs (parsley, basil, oregano): Classic Italian flavors that round out the sauce beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated to melt smoothly and add that irresistible umami cheese note.
Penne pasta: Perfect shape and size to hold onto the sauce with every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

A recipe this good deserves your own personal touch — whether it’s swapping in gluten-free pasta, dialing up the spice, or adding fresh veggies. Here’s how I’ve played around with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in my own kitchen.

Variation: I love tossing in some fresh spinach or kale right at the end to sneak in some greens — it wilts down beautifully in the sauce.
Protein Swap: Sometimes I switch the chicken for shrimp, cooking them quickly until just pink for a seafood twist.
Dairy-Free: Using coconut milk with a little cornstarch works surprisingly well if you’re avoiding dairy.
Heat Level: Adding extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne is my go-to when I want a bit more kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your penne in generously salted water until it’s perfectly al dente — that little firm bite really holds up when tossed in the sauce. Don’t forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. This magical liquid helps loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick. Toss the drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t stick while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Prep and Pound the Chicken Cutlets

Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make four thinner cutlets. I like to cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet (or the bottom of a sturdy can) to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. After seasoning them well with the mix of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, let them sit while you chop shallots and grate your cheese — it’s all about layering flavors!

Step 3: Sear Chicken in Flavorful Oil

Use the remaining olive oil from your sun-dried tomatoes to heat your skillet — it’s packed with flavor that really amps up the chicken. Cook your cutlets over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I always check the internal temperature: 160°F is ideal to keep them juicy. After cooking, set them aside to rest; this locks in the juices and makes slicing easier.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce Right in the Pan

To the same skillet (don’t wipe it out — those browned bits are pure flavor!), melt your butter and gently sauté the chopped shallots until translucent and tender. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes next, cooking briefly so the garlic doesn’t burn but infuses that spicy warmth. Stir in the tomato paste and flour to create a thick base, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half until smooth. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, bouillon, and herbs while you bring it all to a gentle simmer — stirring often until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Combine

Lower the heat and gradually stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese — I add it a handful at a time to let it melt smoothly without clumping. Then fold in the pasta and chicken, adding reserved pasta water tablespoon by tablespoon if needed to loosen the sauce to your perfect consistency. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper as needed. Don’t be shy with the fresh parsley or basil on top to brighten it all up.

Top Tip

Trust me, I’ve learned a few things making this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe multiple times — these tips will help you nail it every time.

Save Pasta Water: It’s the secret weapon to adjusting sauce thickness without diluting flavor — keep it warm and add as needed.
Don’t Skip Resting: Let your chicken rest after cooking — it keeps it juicy and makes slicing clean and easy.
Low and Slow for Sauce: Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling and let flavors meld beautifully.
Fresh Parmesan Over Pre-Grated: Always fresh — it melts better and dramatically improves taste and texture.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra freshly chopped parsley and sometimes a few basil leaves on top — the fresh herbs add a pretty pop of green and brighten the creamy richness. If you love a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon juice can make the dish sing even more.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands beautifully on its own, but I often serve it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or roasted garlic bread to sop up every last drop of sauce. A light steamed vegetable like asparagus or green beans rounds things out nicely, especially if you’ve added no greens to the pasta itself.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love plating the chicken cutlets sliced over a bed of pasta with sauce spooned artfully around the edges. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a few shavings of Parmesan make it look restaurant-worthy without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the pasta absorbs sauce while waiting, I keep a little extra broth or milk on hand to stir in and refresh before reheating.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, I’ve frozen this sauce (without pasta) successfully. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. The pasta itself tends to get softer after freezing, so I recommend cooking fresh pasta if expecting to freeze.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring gently. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water or milk helps loosen the sauce and keeps the chicken tender instead of drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works beautifully thanks to its shape and how it holds the sauce, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine based on your preference or what you have on hand.

What can I substitute for half-and-half in the sauce?

You can use milk combined with a bit of cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch per 2 cups milk) to thicken it, or evaporated milk mixed with cornstarch works well too. This keeps the sauce creamy but lighter if you want to avoid heavy dairy.

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender?

The key is slicing the breasts into thinner cutlets and pounding them evenly, which promotes quick, even cooking. Also, don’t skip resting the chicken after cooking — this helps the juices redistribute for juicy, tender meat every time.

Can this recipe be made ahead for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and chicken ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated separately. Reheat gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta right before serving for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe quickly became one of my favorite comfort food go-tos—it feels fancy but is downright easy to pull together. The layers of flavor and creamy sauce make it feel like a hug on a plate, and it’s always a winner in my house. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — you’ll see why it’s called “Marry Me.”