Golden seared chicken nestled over a creamy, dreamy bed of penne pasta—this One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its most romantic. Rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan hugs every bite, while tender pasta soaks in all that irresistible flavor. It’s the kind of meal that gets people talking, asking for seconds, and yes, maybe even proposing.

Named for its ability to win hearts at the dinner table, this dish is not just about flavor—it’s about creating a moment. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight in or looking to impress someone special, this pasta delivers big on both simplicity and sophistication. And the best part? It’s all made in one pot.

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

One-Pot Wonder: No mountain of dishes to clean—everything comes together in one pan.
Velvety Sauce: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, luxurious texture.
Quick & Crowd-Pleasing: Ready in under 40 minutes and always a hit with family or guests.
Perfectly Balanced: Juicy chicken with a lightly crispy crust contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta and sweet-tangy tomatoes.
Customizable: Swap in spinach, mushrooms, or even switch up the pasta to make it your own.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this decadent One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is much easier when you have the right tools on hand. These essentials will ensure your dish cooks evenly, your ingredients stay vibrant, and cleanup is minimal.

Essential Tools and Their Importance:

Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is the heart of the one-pot magic. A deep, wide skillet or Dutch oven allows room for searing the chicken, then simmering the pasta and sauce all together. It distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken without tearing the golden crust. They also help toss the pasta and chicken gently in the sauce at the end.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: A good chef’s knife makes prepping ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken breasts faster and safer.
Grater or Microplane: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds bold flavor—grating it yourself is worth the extra step.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key to the creaminess and flavor balance in the sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, especially when dealing with creamy sauces.

Preparation Tips

Before you jump into cooking, a little mise en place goes a long way. Here’s how to streamline the process:

Prep Ingredients First: Slice the chicken, mince the garlic, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes before you heat the pan. This ensures everything’s ready to go when the cooking starts.
Pat Chicken Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Use paper towels to dry the chicken before seasoning.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the cream and chicken sit out for a few minutes before cooking. This helps everything cook evenly.
Deglaze Wisely: After searing the chicken, those golden bits stuck to the pan are full of flavor. Use chicken broth to deglaze and build a richer sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since it simmers in the sauce, check for doneness a couple of minutes before the box suggests.

Ingredients for This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To make this crave-worthy pasta, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients that bring bold flavor and creamy comfort to every bite. Here’s your full ingredient list:

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter (for that golden sear and richness)

For the Sauce and Pasta:

3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred for extra flavor)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
8 oz penne pasta (or similar short pasta)
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan, to finish

Tip: Always use high-quality Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes—they make a huge difference in flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, making sure not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom—that’s where the flavor lives. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce reduces too quickly before the pasta is done.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes velvety and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili flakes if using.

Step 6: Bring Back the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta and sauce. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to reheat and meld flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a final dusting of grated Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.

Notes

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dish has a short ingredient list, each component stands out. Use real Parmesan (not the powdered kind), flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and good-quality cream for the best result.
Pasta Texture: Penne is ideal for soaking up the sauce, but feel free to substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even shells—just keep cooking times in mind.
Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: If your tomatoes come packed in oil, use a spoonful of that oil in place of some olive oil for an added punch of flavor.
Make it Spicy: Chili flakes add a welcome heat that balances the creaminess. Adjust the amount to your taste or skip it altogether.
Creamy but Not Heavy: Heavy cream provides richness, but if you want a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half—just expect a thinner sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the Pan While Searing Chicken: This prevents a good sear. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure it browns beautifully.
Skipping the Deglaze Step: Those little brown bits stuck to the pan after searing? That’s concentrated flavor gold. Don’t skip the broth pour—it transforms your sauce.
Overcooking the Pasta: Since it simmers directly in the sauce, check for doneness early. It continues to cook slightly after the heat is off.
Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly—just a minute or two is all it takes. Burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin your sauce.
Not Tasting as You Go: Cream sauces need seasoning. Taste throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the cheese, and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Using Pre-Grated Cheese: It won’t melt smoothly and can make the sauce gritty. Freshly grated is always the way to go.

What to Serve With One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

While this creamy pasta dish is a star all on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your meal into a full-on feast. Whether you’re aiming for cozy or classy, these ideas add freshness, texture, and balance to your plate.

8 Recommendations:

Garlic Bread or Focaccia
Ideal for mopping up that luscious sauce. Go with crispy edges and a soft center—bonus points for extra Parmesan and herbs on top.
Simple Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
Roasted Asparagus
Lightly charred with olive oil and sea salt—its earthy flavor balances the creamy pasta beautifully.
Caprese Salad
Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds color and freshness to the table.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Roasted until golden, they add a delightful crunch and slight bitterness to contrast the cream.
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans
Light, nutritious, and not overpowering—great if you’re looking to add greens without stealing the spotlight.
White Wine
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and chicken.
Tiramisu or Panna Cotta for Dessert
Stay on theme with a light, elegant Italian dessert to finish the meal on a high note.

Storage Instructions

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just as delightful the next day—if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers! Follow these tips to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigeration: Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: While the cream-based sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, you can still freeze it. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring gently to bring the sauce back together.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, and add a bit of liquid if it’s looking dry.

Avoid overheating or microwaving for too long—this can make the sauce greasy or the chicken tough.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Please note: These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and measurements used.

Calories: ~690 kcal
Protein: ~36g
Carbohydrates: ~46g
Fat: ~38g
Saturated Fat: ~19g
Cholesterol: ~155mg
Sodium: ~740mg
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~4g

This dish is rich and indulgent—perfect for a satisfying dinner. To lighten it up, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing cheese slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and offer more flavor. Just be sure to trim excess fat and adjust cooking time slightly since they’re juicier and take a bit longer to cook through.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, though it requires some swaps. Use a dairy-free cream alternative (like coconut cream or cashew cream) and opt for nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute. The texture and flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.

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

You can use cherry tomatoes sautéed with a bit of tomato paste for a similar effect. However, sun-dried tomatoes give that rich, slightly tangy flavor that’s key to the signature sauce.

4. Is it okay to cook the pasta separately?

You can, but it defeats the “one-pot” simplicity and reduces flavor infusion. Cooking everything together lets the pasta absorb all the creamy goodness, creating a unified dish.

5. How can I make it spicier?

Amp up the chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce. A touch of cayenne pepper can also bring some extra heat without altering the flavor profile too much.

6. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes—choose your favorite gluten-free short pasta and keep a close eye on cooking time, as gluten-free varieties can break down more quickly.

7. What’s the best way to serve this for guests?

Serve directly from the skillet with a garnish of fresh herbs and extra Parmesan. Pair it with a light salad and wine for an elegant, minimal-effort dinner party.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions. Add them during the sauce simmer stage so they cook through and blend into the dish naturally.

Conclusion

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a recipe—it’s a declaration of delicious intent. From the first sear of juicy chicken to the last swirl of creamy, Parmesan-kissed pasta, this dish has everything you crave: bold flavor, effortless elegance, and serious comfort food appeal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress someone special, this pasta doesn’t just say “I love you”—it proves it, bite by bite.