One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy goodness of One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta filling your kitchen with its irresistible aroma. This dish combines tender chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all made in just one pot for minimal cleanup.

I first made this recipe when I wanted to recreate a restaurant-style meal without the hassle of multiple dishes. One bite in, and my family was hooked! It’s now our go-to for date nights, cozy dinners, and even busy weeknights when we crave something indulgent but easy to prepare.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite one-pot meal! This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make.

First, it's incredibly easy to throw together. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal. Perfect for busy nights when you want something special without the extra effort.

Next, the flavors are absolutely irresistible. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta beautifully. Add in the juicy chicken, and you have a dish that's bursting with flavor.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or a romantic dinner, this dish impresses every time. The creamy, slightly tangy sauce is balanced with a touch of heat, making it a well-rounded meal for all palates.

And let’s not forget—it’s a one-pot wonder. No need to juggle multiple pans or spend extra time cleaning up. With everything cooking together, the pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors, making every bite more delicious than the last.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this dish, as they cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer juicier meat, you can also use chicken thighs for an extra tender bite.

Pasta – I recommend using penne or rotini since their ridges help catch the creamy sauce. However, you can also use fettuccine or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the sauce. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, as they bring extra richness and blend into the sauce beautifully. If using dry-packed tomatoes, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before chopping.

Heavy Cream and Chicken Broth – The combination of cream and broth creates the perfect balance between richness and flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as indulgent.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan is key for that deep, nutty flavor. Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly, so I always recommend grating it yourself for the best results.

Red Pepper Flakes – This adds just a hint of heat to balance the creamy sauce. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or leaving it out entirely.

You'll also need garlic, Italian seasoning, butter, and fresh basil for that final touch of flavor. A large skillet or Dutch oven is the only equipment you need to bring this dish to life!

How To Make This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for a quick and easy meal. Let’s break it down!

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

In the same pan, melt a little butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their rich, tangy flavor.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked pasta, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly in the sauce.

Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and return the sliced chicken to the pan. Let everything simmer for a couple more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Finally, garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat. The whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an effortless yet impressive meal!

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to resist finishing it all in one sitting!), here’s how to store them properly.

Refrigerate – Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but it can easily be revived when reheated.

Freeze – This dish isn’t the best for freezing due to the creamy sauce, which can separate when thawed. However, if you still want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Reheating – Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Make it spicy – If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.

Try a different protein – While chicken is the classic choice, you can also use shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a different take.

Go gluten-free – Swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, but keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.

Add veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers all make great additions for extra color and nutrition. Stir them in at the end so they stay vibrant and fresh.

Lighten it up – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly for a lighter version that still tastes amazing.

No matter how you customize it, this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to be a hit. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors—all made in just one pan for ultimate convenience. Try it tonight, and get ready for everyone to fall in love with this dish!

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