Irresistible One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

There are some meals that are so delicious, they make you want to shout, “Marry me!” And if you’re looking for the perfect dish that might just earn you a proposal, then look no further than this One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds swoon. Think tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, a luscious parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all made in one pot. The best part? It’s quick and easy, so you can enjoy a romantic dinner or family meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. Imagine the ease of cooking everything in just one pot—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. You’ll love how tender the chicken turns out, coated in a creamy, savory sauce with hints of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. It’s also highly customizable, so you can adjust the recipe to your liking—whether you want to swap in shrimp for chicken, choose a different type of pasta, or even toss in some greens for extra nutrition. The possibilities are endless!

And let’s talk about how perfect this is for date night or a cozy family dinner. It’s one of those dishes that’s both comforting and impressive, and it’s ready in under 40 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a special someone, or a group of friends, this recipe is sure to please.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

These ingredients may seem basic, but trust me—each one plays an important role in building the layers of flavor in this dish. The chicken provides protein and heartiness, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the creamy sauce. The parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding richness, and the red pepper flakes give it just a hint of spice—though you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

Instructions

Cooking this dish couldn’t be easier. Let’s break it down step-by-step!

1. Sear the Chicken:
   Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear it on both sides until golden and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
   In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this should only take about 30 seconds. Then, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir them for another minute or so. This is where the flavor really starts to build, so take your time to let the garlic and tomatoes mingle.
3. Add the Liquids and Pasta:
   Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything to combine, then bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, toss in your uncooked pasta. This is the magic moment when the pasta begins to absorb all the delicious flavors from the broth and cream. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the pasta cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente and the sauce has thickened.
4. Finish the Dish:
   Once your pasta is cooked to perfection, it’s time to bring it all together. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for that rich, creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   The final touch: garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that balances out the richness of the dish. Serve warm, and get ready to impress!

Tips and Tricks

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and melt, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated versions. It will melt more smoothly and add a richer taste to the sauce.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like a little spice, the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to omit them, or swap them out for a more subtle kick of black pepper.
• Swap the Pasta: Penne works beautifully in this dish, but feel free to get creative. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti would all work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version of this dish, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a plant-based cream. If you want a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream and nutritional yeast can do the trick.
• Add Some Greens: For extra nutrition and color, stir in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt into the creamy sauce and add a lovely texture to the dish.

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Storage Instructions

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it’s great for meal prep and leftovers too!

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Freezer: While the creamy sauce doesn’t freeze as well as other dishes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Just be aware that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing, but it will still taste delicious. When reheating, add a little extra broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Serving Suggestions

Looking for sides to complement this One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery loaf of garlic bread is the perfect pairing. The crusty bread is great for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta. Try adding arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a light lemon dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a more hearty side, roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a great texture and flavor contrast.

Variations

• Shrimp Version: For seafood lovers, swap the chicken for shrimp. Simply sauté the shrimp in the same pot until pink, then follow the rest of the recipe as written. It’s a quick and easy twist on the classic!
• Vegetarian Option: Want to make this dish vegetarian? Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even chickpeas to make the dish hearty and filling.
• Make It Spicy: If you love heat, double up on the red pepper flakes or throw in some diced jalapeños. The added spice will complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this dish “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?
It’s the combination of flavors! The creamy sauce, savory chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes are so irresistibly delicious that they might just inspire a proposal!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step and simply add pre-cooked chicken towards the end to warm through.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any short pasta you like—rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini are great alternatives to penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure that all the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is great for meal prep! You can cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. Reheat with a bit of broth or cream to bring back its creamy goodness.

Conclusion

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its rich, creamy sauce and savory chicken, this dish is perfect for impressing someone special or enjoying a cozy meal at home. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love? Try it tonight, and you might just find yourself saying, “Marry me!”