If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or Instagram looking for that dreamy, creamy dinner recipe to impress without hours in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat. The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly the kind of dish that sounds fancy but comes together with ease, making weeknights or casual date nights feel extra special. I remember the first time I tried it—it was love at first bite. The rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce paired with tender chicken and pasta is downright addictive.

What makes this recipe stand out for me is how effortlessly indulgent it feels without needing a laundry list of complicated ingredients or techniques. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just want to upgrade your pasta game, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes—comfort, flavor, and a little zest of freshness from sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe balances creamy richness with bright, savory flavors. Picking fresh basil and good-quality parmesan really lifts the dish, so I always recommend grabbing those fresh if you can. And don’t skimp on the sun-dried tomatoes—they’re key for that tangy depth.

Pasta: I usually go with penne or rigatoni—they hold onto the sauce pretty well.
Butter: Essential for making the base roux that thickens the sauce, plus it adds richness.
Flour: Just a little to help create that silky sauce texture without lumps.
Garlic: I always mince fresh cloves; it’s worth the extra effort for that punch of aroma.
Tomato paste: This deepens the sauce’s flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
Dry white wine or chicken broth: The wine adds brightness, but broth works great if you’d rather keep it non-alcoholic.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luscious and creamy—don’t swap it with milk!
Sun-dried tomatoes: They bring a tangy bite that perfectly complements the creaminess.
Dried oregano: Adds a nice herby undertone.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to give the sauce a gentle kick.
Cooked/rotisserie chicken: Super convenient, shredded chicken speeds the process and keeps it juicy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that sharp, nutty flavor.
Fresh basil: Torn or chopped for a fresh, herbal finish right before serving.
Salt & pepper: To taste—seasoning is everything, so don’t be shy here!

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the mood or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust the heat level to suit your taste buds. The kitchen is your playground here!

Spicy twist: I’ve added extra crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne for when I want it to pack a punch. It’s delightful with a little extra heat.
Vegetarian version: Swap out chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies to keep that savory depth without meat.
Different pasta shapes: Try farfalle or fusilli next time to keep things fun and change how the sauce clings.
Use fresh tomatoes: When sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, diced fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed briefly can add freshness.
Healthier swap: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream—your sauce will be lighter but still tasty.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta a minute or two shy of the package instructions. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce later, so you don’t want it getting mushy. I usually reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed—trust me, it’s a great trick!

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce Base

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute until fragrant—this is your roux. Then add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds, careful not to burn it. Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan—those are flavor gold! Let it simmer until slightly reduced.

Step 3: Add Cream, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Seasonings

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let it gently bubble until thickened to a silky consistency—about 3-5 minutes. It should coat the back of your spoon nicely. Season with salt and pepper to taste here; remember the parmesan will add some saltiness too.

Step 4: Toss in Chicken and Pasta

Time to add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until everything’s well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finish with the freshly grated parmesan—you’ll see it melt and make the sauce even creamier.

Step 5: Stir in Fresh Basil and Serve

Right before plating, fold in fresh basil for that bright herbal note that cuts through the richness. Serve immediately and get ready for some serious compliments!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra parmesan and a few torn basil leaves on top for a fresh look. Sometimes, I add a little drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up at the table—it’s those little touches that elevate this cozy meal.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread is my go-to pairing for soaking up every last drop of sauce. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly. If you want to be a little fancy, roasted asparagus or green beans make a lovely side too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like plating this in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh basil and a grating of parmesan right at the table. Serving it family-style with a big rustic bread basket encourages sharing and conversation, making dinner feel warm and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so you might want to stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it back up—it tastes just as good the next day!

Freezing

This one freezes okay but the texture of the cream sauce changes slightly. I’ve found freezing the pasta and sauce separately works better if you want to prep ahead. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid curdling.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream, stirring to keep the sauce smooth. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe without wine?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great substitute. It maintains the depth of flavor without the alcohol. You can also use vegetable broth if you want a lighter taste.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

I recommend short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle because their ridges and tubes trap the delicious sauce perfectly. But feel free to use whatever you have on hand—even spaghetti works in a pinch!
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Cooking a couple of chicken breasts seasoned simply with salt and pepper and shredding them works beautifully. Just make sure it’s cooked through before mixing into the sauce.
Is it okay to use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

You can, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. If you go this route, keep an eye on the sauce thickness and be gentle with heat to prevent it from separating.
How spicy is this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that you can easily adjust by adding more or less. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a pinch and work up from there!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s an easy way to create something that feels like a celebration—without hours or fancy ingredients. Whether it’s a last-minute dinner with friends or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers big on comfort and flavor. I hope you give it a try and find it as delightful and straightforward as I do. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become your go-to pasta dish, too!