Swoon-Worthy Creamy One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a hero, and this incredible marry me chicken pasta swoops in with creamy, irresistible charm.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly within a luscious sauce that promises to steal hearts at first bite.

Parmesan cheese melts into silky layers, creating a dinner so delectable it might just spark a proposal.

Simple ingredients dance together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and flavor the star of the show.

Fragrant herbs and rich cream transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Each forkful delivers comfort and excitement, blending classic comfort food with a touch of culinary magic.

Prepare to fall in love with this dreamy, easy-to-make pasta that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that creates a hearty base, selecting fresh, trimmed pieces ensures tender and juicy results.
• Salt: Enhances chicken's natural flavor, helping to season and tenderize the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, complementing the chicken's savory profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces complex herbal notes, blending traditional Mediterranean flavors.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that delivers robust, pungent undertones to the entire dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy element that adds rich Mediterranean character.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to elevate overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base with delicate fruity undertones.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid foundation with deep, savory dimensions.
• Heavy Cream: Generates luxurious, silky texture that binds ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, sharp complexity and helps thicken sauce.
• Fresh Basil/Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and crisp herbal finish.
• Uncooked Pasta: Absorbs sauce while cooking, creating harmonious one-pot meal.

Tools to Make This Love-at-First-Bite Pasta

• Large Skillet or Pot: Essential for cooking chicken, making sauce, and preparing the entire one-pot meal.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing pasta from sticking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring seasonings and salt.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Bring It All Together in One Pot

• Brown Chicken Brilliantly

Sizzle chicken pieces in a hot skillet until they turn golden and crispy. Season generously with aromatic herbs and spices for maximum flavor. Cook until chicken is perfectly done and set aside.

• Create Flavor Foundation

Toss minced garlic, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of spicy pepper flakes into the same pan. Let them dance and release their incredible aromas for a quick moment.

• Build Creamy Liquid Base

Splash in rich chicken broth and velvety cream. Stir everything together and let the mixture bubble with excitement.

• Cook Pasta Magically

Drop uncooked pasta directly into the bubbling liquid. Let it simmer and absorb all the delicious flavors. Stir occasionally and watch the sauce transform and thicken around the pasta.

• Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Gently mix until everything is beautifully coated in the luxurious sauce.

• Serve with Flair

Garnish with fresh herbs, then bring this mouthwatering dish straight to the table. Enjoy the comforting, restaurant-quality meal you’ve just created.

Flavor Adjustments for Your Perfect Pasta

• Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein experience that still delivers amazing flavor and keeps the dish exciting.
• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese to create a delicious lactose-free version that doesn't compromise taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to manage heat levels – reduce for mild preference or add extra for those who love a spicy kick in their one-pot wonder.
• Toss in fresh spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking to add extra nutrition and create a more robust meal that feels hearty and wholesome.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time and store in an airtight container – it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and meld together.

Serving Tips That Wow

• Romantic Date Night Centerpiece: Serve this creamy pasta on elegant white plates with soft candlelight to create a magical dinner atmosphere perfect for impressing your special someone.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add bright green color and a burst of aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Complementary Side Companions: Pair with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread to balance the rich, creamy chicken pasta and provide a delightful textural contrast to the main course.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that will beautifully complement the sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate chicken flavors.

Save Leftovers That Still Taste Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken when chilled, so gently reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore smooth consistency.
• Prepare an extra batch and freeze individual portions in sealed containers for quick future meals. Best consumed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
• Chop ingredients and pre-cook chicken earlier in the day to streamline dinner preparation. Keep components separately refrigerated to maintain freshness and reduce evening cooking stress.
• Pack remaining pasta in portable containers for delicious next-day work or school meals. Pro tip: Keep garnishes like fresh basil separate until serving to maintain crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

Creamy One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy, indulgent one-pot marry me chicken pasta promises pure comfort with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a romantic dinner that draws you into a delightful culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (226 g) penne pasta (or any short pasta)
• 2 ½ cups (590 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear Protein: Caramelize chicken in a sizzling skillet with olive oil, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until golden and fully cooked. Transfer protein to a temporary plate.
2. Aromatics Activation: Infuse the identical skillet with minced garlic, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fiery red pepper flakes, releasing their intense fragrance and creating a robust flavor foundation.
3. Liquid Foundation: Stream chicken broth and velvety heavy cream into the skillet, whisking to create a harmonious, silky base. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a rolling boil.
4. Pasta Integration: Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the bubbling liquid, reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Allow pasta to absorb flavors and cook until perfectly tender and sauce transforms into a luxurious, clingy consistency.
5. Final Fusion: Incorporate parmesan cheese, melting it seamlessly into the sauce. Reintroduce previously seared chicken, gently folding to ensure every morsel is lavishly coated with the creamy, aromatic sauce.
6. Presentation: Extinguish heat, crown the dish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, delivering a visually stunning and flavor-packed culinary creation ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety.
• Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and achieve perfect al dente consistency without becoming mushy.
• Lower heat when adding cream to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy texture throughout cooking.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly meal, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg