Indulge in a rich, soul-warming plate of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, where tender, golden-seared chicken meets a dreamy sun-dried tomato cream sauce that clings to every twist of al dente pasta. This comforting one-skillet dish delivers bold flavor with garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs, creating a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night, a dinner with friends, or simply craving something creamy and savory, this pasta is bound to win hearts. With just one pan and 30 minutes, it lives up to its romantic name—you just might get a proposal at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

It’s packed with bold, savory flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan.
Ready in under 40 minutes from prep to plate.
Family-friendly and great for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Uses simple ingredients with gourmet results.
One-pan recipe = fewer dishes to clean.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While you can use just about any pasta for this dish, short cuts like mafaldine, penne, or fusilli are perfect because they capture the creamy sauce beautifully in their ridges and folds. Mafaldine is especially gorgeous and hearty—as seen in the photo—bringing elegance and texture to every bite.

Ingredients for the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and richness:

Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, sliced into strips and seared for a flavorful golden crust.
Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and add depth.
Garlic Cloves – Freshly minced for aromatic flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Sweet, tangy, and savory. Adds incredible complexity.
Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce velvety and luxurious.
Chicken Broth – Balances out the richness of the cream.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for nutty umami depth.
Italian Seasoning – A mix of basil, oregano, thyme for herbaceous flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning each layer.
Mafaldine Pasta – Or sub fusilli/penne, cooked al dente.
Fresh Parsley – For a bright, finishing touch.

How To Make the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Creamy Goodness

Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir well, then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Parmesan

Stir in 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook 8 ounces of mafaldine pasta (or your choice) according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 6: Combine & Finish

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add back to the sauce along with the cooked pasta. Stir gently to combine. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Top with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan.

Serving and Storing This Pasta

This recipe yields 4 generous servings and is best served immediately while warm and creamy. If storing, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce’s texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for scooping up every drop of creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

Balances the richness of the pasta with a refreshing crunch.

Roasted Asparagus

A great veggie pairing that roasts quickly alongside your pasta prep.

Lemon Butter Broccolini

Adds a zesty, vibrant side that lifts the entire plate.

White Wine

Try a chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

Cleanses the palate between creamy bites.

Steamed Green Beans

A classic, no-fuss pairing.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil on a stick for a light appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay juicy. Just adjust cook time to ensure doneness.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can skip them or use cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil for a similar sweet tang.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Swap heavy cream for unsweetened coconut cream and use dairy-free parmesan. The taste will change slightly but still be creamy and flavorful.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, then cook the pasta fresh before serving for best texture.

What other pasta shapes work?

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent alternatives to mafaldine.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap the chicken? Maybe a dash of red pepper flakes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings gourmet comfort to your kitchen with minimal effort and unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want a soul-satisfying dinner, this pasta checks all the boxes.

Don’t forget to explore more pasta dinner ideas like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Cheesy Garlic & Herb Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce, or Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.

Want even more daily dinner inspiration? Visit my Pinterest boards at Life With Rosa and follow along!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Author: Rosa Martinez
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick dinner idea perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce, then tossed with mafaldine pasta for a comforting, easy dinner recipe. It’s one of those healthy-ish food ideas that feels indulgent but is made with real, simple ingredients. Great for date night, family dinners, or when you just need a cozy dish in under 40 minutes.

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

2. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and let simmer for 4–5 minutes.

4. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 0.25 cup pasta water, then drain.

6. Slice cooked chicken and add back to sauce with pasta. Mix well. Add pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley and more parmesan before serving.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.

Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: marry me chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, one-pan pasta