Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: my One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe! This dreamy dish combines juicy, golden-seared chicken with a luxuriously creamy sauce loaded with garlic, parmesan, and just the right touch of tangy sun-dried tomatoes. And the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a total breeze.

This is that magical, show-stopping pasta you make when you want someone to ask for seconds (and maybe your hand in marriage!). It's bold, rich, and packed with flavor that feels fancy enough for date night but is effortless enough for a busy weeknight. The combination of savory chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious, silky sauce will have everyone swooning.

Inspired by the viral "Marry Me Chicken" but with an easy pasta twist, this is one of my all-time favorite meals to make for friends and family. Trust me-you're going to want this recipe on repeat for pasta nights, cozy Sunday suppers, or whenever you crave a little extra love on your plate!

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a creamy sauce, topped with fresh basil

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One-pot simplicity means easy cleanup and faster prep
Creamy, dreamy sauce with bold, restaurant-worthy flavor
Perfectly cooked chicken and pasta in every bite
Crowd-pleasing comfort food that's always a hit
Ready in under an hour for stress-free weeknight dinners

Key Ingredients for One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star protein, offering lean, juicy bites that soak up the amazing flavors of the creamy sauce. I recommend slicing them into thin, even cutlets for quicker and more even cooking. If you prefer, chicken thighs can be used for extra richness.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes pack a punch of tangy, intense flavor and add wonderful color to the sauce. Look for tomatoes packed in oil for the most flavor, and give them a rough chop to distribute throughout the pasta. If you only have dry-packed, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is what makes this sauce so luxuriously thick, smooth, and indulgent. If you want to lighten things up, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be a bit less rich.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it a savory, nutty depth that can't be beat. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but for best results, grate your own from a wedge right before adding.

Penne Pasta

Penne is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and holding little pockets of flavor in each tube. You can use other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini if desired. For gluten-free needs, use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and keep an eye on cook time.

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe cooking process

Instructions for One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with half the salt and pepper. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Build the Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium. In the same pot, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and beginning to soften, stirring frequently. Add Italian seasoning and stir to coat.

Add Liquid and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked penne. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Stir the pasta to ensure it's submerged and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

Make It Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the pot. Simmer everything together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken pores soak up the sauce. If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving piping hot.

Recipe Variations

Swap the Chicken

Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an extra juicy, flavorful twist. You can also use rotisserie chicken (just add at the end to warm through) for a shortcut.

Veggie-Forward Option

Want to sneak in more veggies? Toss in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms in step 2. They'll wilt and meld beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Spicy Kick

For heat lovers, add a teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste or increase the crushed red pepper to your liking. The spicy undertones create a bold, unforgettable flavor.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your sun-dried tomatoes and broth are certified gluten-free. Reduce the broth slightly, as gluten-free pasta may not absorb as much liquid.

Dairy-Light Version

Replace the heavy cream with evaporated milk and use a little less parmesan-or try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a lighter, dairy-reduced take.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta alongside a crisp green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette or roasted veggies, like broccoli or asparagus, for a colorful meal. Garlic bread or a buttery baguette is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. Don't forget a final flourish of fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan right before serving for that restaurant-style finish!

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water to the pasta and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Alternatively, warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat. For best texture, freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate, but if needed, freeze in single-serve portions and reheat from thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes! Penne is classic, but feel free to swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for your chosen shape.

Q: Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

A: You can use half-and-half or whole milk to lighten it up, but the sauce will be less rich. Dairy-free cream alternatives also work-just make sure they are unsweetened.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

A: Add an extra splash of chicken broth or cream if your pasta absorbs too much liquid. Stir well and heat gently until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: This dish tastes best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in advance. For meal prep, undercook the pasta slightly and reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Ready to make everyone at the table swoon? This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is pure comfort with minimal effort, guaranteed to impress on any occasion. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how it turns out-or if anyone proposed after dinner!

Why You'll Love This Recipe