One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy flavors of One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Tender chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in just one pot—making this dish both easy and absolutely delicious.

I first made this recipe for a special dinner, hoping to impress, and let’s just say—it lived up to its name! It was love at first bite, and now it’s a go-to meal when I want something indulgent yet simple. Whether you're cooking for a date night or just craving something comforting, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for this easy, one-pot wonder! Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or just someone who loves a good creamy pasta dish, this recipe has something for everyone.

First off, it’s ridiculously simple. Everything cooks in a single pot, which means fewer dishes to clean—always a win! No need to boil pasta separately or juggle multiple pans.

Then there’s the flavor explosion. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

It's also versatile and budget-friendly. You can tweak the ingredients to fit what you have on hand, and it's way cheaper than takeout. Plus, it feeds a crowd without breaking the bank!

Finally, this dish is date-night-approved. It’s rich, indulgent, and sure to impress anyone you serve it to. No wonder they call it "Marry Me Chicken"!

Ingredients Notes

This recipe relies on simple, flavor-packed ingredients to create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is essential:

• Chicken – I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces. They cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully. If you like darker meat, chicken thighs work just as well!
• Pasta – Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds onto the creamy sauce best. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair, which can overcook.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a sweet, tangy depth of flavor that takes the sauce to the next level. I recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness.
• Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth – The perfect duo for a silky, flavorful sauce that’s not too heavy. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it a nutty, salty kick. Skip the pre-shredded stuff for the best results!
• Garlic & Onion – These aromatics build a savory base for the sauce, making the whole dish incredibly fragrant and delicious.
• Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes – A mix of herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) brings a classic Italian touch, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat.

Special Equipment

You’ll need a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to cook everything in one pot. A wooden spoon for stirring and a box grater for fresh parmesan will also come in handy!

How to Make This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as sautéing, simmering, and stirring! Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Sear the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. The onions should become slightly translucent.
3. Build the Sauce
   Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
4. Cook the Pasta
   Add the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until the pasta is al dente. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of extra broth.
5. Bring it All Together
   Return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese. The sauce will thicken beautifully, coating every bite of pasta. Let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Serve & Enjoy
   Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve hot and watch as everyone swoons over this dreamy pasta dish!
7. Total time: About 30 minutes
8. 🍽 Servings: 4-6

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they sit!
• Freezer: While you can freeze it, creamy sauces tend to separate upon reheating. If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe? It’s endlessly customizable! Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

• Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Swap the protein: Try it with shrimp, Italian sausage, or even rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• Use a different cheese: If you’re out of parmesan, pecorino romano or asiago work wonderfully too.
• Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers would all be delicious mix-ins.
• Go low-carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.

However you make it, this One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to win hearts. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite!

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