Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Totally delicious

If a dish could win someone’s heart, Marry Me Chicken Pasta would be the one! This creamy, garlicky chicken recipe with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tender pasta has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm. The name comes from its irresistible flavor — legend says that after one bite, you’ll get a marriage proposal (or at least a very big compliment).

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make it at home, with step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and serving ideas. Whether it’s for date night, family dinner, or a special treat for yourself, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Table of Contents

Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?

This viral recipe is believed to have started in the US, where a chef supposedly joked that a chicken dish this good could make someone propose. Over time, it became a social media sensation, with countless home cooks sharing their own versions. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible — and when served over pasta, it’s comfort food heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this unforgettable dish:

Chicken breasts – 3 medium, boneless and skinless
Salt & pepper – to season
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Butter – 2 tablespoons (for extra richness)
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Sun-dried tomatoes – ½ cup, chopped (packed in oil)
Chicken broth – 1 cup
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Parmesan cheese – ¾ cup, freshly grated
Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional, for a slight kick)
Fresh basil or parsley – for garnish
Pasta of choice – 300g (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti works great)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make cutlets.
Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

3. Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream.
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

4. Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Toss in cooked pasta, ensuring it’s fully coated in the sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve immediately with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan – pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t overcook the chicken – it should be juicy and tender.
Reserve some pasta water – it can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Experiment with pasta shapes – penne holds the sauce well, but spaghetti gives a classic Italian feel.

Variations to Try

With Spinach – stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
Mushroom Lover’s Twist – sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic for a deeper flavor.
Spicy Kick – add more red pepper flakes for heat.
Low-Carb Version – serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garlic bread for soaking up the sauce
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli

For more pasta dinner inspiration, check out our post on Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. If you love comfort food, you might also enjoy One-Pot Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta.

Why This Recipe Works for Both Weeknights and Date Nights

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken with Pasta lies in its balance — it’s luxurious enough to impress, but simple enough to make on a busy evening. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the whole dish comes together in about 35–40 minutes.

A Little Food Science

The reason the sauce is so velvety comes down to the emulsion between the cream, Parmesan, and chicken broth. The fat in the cream and cheese binds with the starch from the pasta, creating that restaurant-quality texture.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Flavorful, and Totally Irresistible

Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?

Ingredients You’ll Need