You know those recipes that make you do a little happy dance in your kitchen? Well, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is about to be your new favorite. Not only is it packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and those sweet little bites of sun-dried tomatoes, but it also pulls off the magic trick of looking like you spent hours cooking — when really, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. (Busy moms and hungry spouses, rejoice!)

Marry Me Chicken Pasta A Weeknight Dinner Dream Come True

Around my house, “marry me chicken” isn’t just a cute name — it’s practically a declaration of how much we love it. The moment I tossed penne pasta into that dreamy, sun-dried tomato sauce for the first time, I knew I had struck dinner gold. It’s everything we stand for here at 30minrecipes.com: quick, simple, and 100% delightful.

If you’re juggling work, kids, soccer practice, and still trying to put something special on the table — trust me, this is the recipe that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds (and maybe proposing, too ).

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

First off, let’s talk about that sauce. It’s velvety and rich, thanks to a blend of heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes — each forkful is like a tiny love letter to your taste buds.

But beyond the taste (which, believe me, is chef’s kiss amazing), this dish checks all the right boxes:

• Fast and simple — ready in 30 minutes!
• Kid-approved (even my picky eaters inhaled it)
• One skillet magic — fewer dishes to wash = a happier you
• Flexible — you can add spinach, swap proteins, or go extra spicy

Personally, this pasta saved me one hectic Tuesday when my youngest decided 10 minutes before dinner that she desperately needed cupcakes for school the next day. I whipped up this Marry Me Chicken Pasta in no time, managed to bake cupcakes, and even sat down to eat like a civilized adult. (Small victories, right?)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this flavor-packed dream to life:

For the Chicken Pasta:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil, for garnish

A quick note: using penne pasta here is pure genius because those little tubes trap the cheesy, creamy sauce inside like tiny flavor pockets. (And trust me, nobody’s mad about that.)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step

This dish might sound fancy enough to be served at a candlelit proposal dinner, but don’t worry — it’s shockingly easy to make. Here’s how you can whip up this Marry Me Chicken Pasta faster than you can say, “Yes, I’ll have seconds!”

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the 10 ounces of penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions.
Pro Tip: Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together like clingy exes.

Once done, drain and set aside. (No need to rinse — we want the sauce to cling onto the pasta like true love.)

2. Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta’s cooking, season 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until beautifully golden and no longer pink inside.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate — don’t worry, it’ll be back for the big reunion scene later.

3. Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
Toss in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds — just until your kitchen starts smelling like an Italian dream.

Stir in 3 tablespoons flour to make a quick roux. It’ll look like a paste; that’s exactly what you want.

Now slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Watch it turn into pure liquid gold!

4. Bring It All Together

Stir in 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning.
Give it a taste — season with a bit more salt and pepper if needed.

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken up. You want it luxurious, not watery.

Finally, return the chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together so the pasta and chicken are lovingly coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce.

Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan, because why not?

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Got questions? I’ve got answers, straight from what’s buzzing on Google!

Why do they call it “marry me chicken”?

It’s not just a cute name — it’s a legend!
The story goes that when people first tried this creamy, flavor-packed chicken, they joked it was so good it could make someone propose. (Honestly, after one bite of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you might start believing in love at first bite too.)

What do I serve Marry Me Chicken with?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a full meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can pair it with:

• A crisp green salad
• Garlic bread (because carbs on carbs = happiness)
• Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans

Is Marry Me Chicken actually good?

Short answer: ABSOLUTELY.
Long answer: It’s rich, creamy, savory, slightly sweet from the sun-dried tomatoes, and cozy in every way. It’s the perfect comfort food that feels a little upscale without the extra effort.

What is the difference between Marry Me Chicken and Tuscan chicken?

They’re kissing cousins but not identical twins!
Tuscan chicken often includes spinach and has a lighter, slightly tangier sauce with white wine.
Marry Me Chicken is richer and creamier, usually focused more on the sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan combo without the wine or spinach (though you can totally add spinach if you want to get wild).

What does a chicken represent in marriage?

In many cultures, chickens symbolize prosperity, fertility, and loyalty — all good vibes you want in a marriage. Plus, sharing a meal made with love (like this Marry Me Chicken Pasta) is a sweet symbol of nurturing each other.

Is calling someone chicken an insult?

Sometimes!
Calling someone “chicken” usually means you’re saying they’re scared or cowardly. But hey, if someone called me “chicken” and served me a plate of this pasta right after, I’d take it as a compliment!

Can Marry Me Chicken be reheated?

Absolutely — and it reheats like a dream.
Just pop leftovers into a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, and warm over low heat. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.

What to eat with Marry Me Chickpeas?

Okay, cute twist! If you’re making a vegetarian version (Marry Me Chickpeas, love it), pair it with:

• Rice or quinoa
• Roasted veggies
• A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette

What should couples cook together?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is honestly perfect for a couples’ cooking night.
It’s fun, not overly complicated, and results in a seriously impressive meal. Plus, stirring sauce together is weirdly romantic. Bonus points if you pour a glass of wine and play some soft background music.

Bringing It All Together: Marry Me Chicken Pasta for the Win

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already halfway to the kitchen grabbing your skillet. (I don’t blame you.)
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner — it’s a little love letter you can serve in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing a new beau, or simply spoiling yourself (because you deserve it), this dish delivers every single time.

And remember, good food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. That’s the heart behind every recipe here at 30minrecipes.com — bringing you quick, delicious, and joy-filled meals that make your life easier and your table happier.

If you’re hungry for more quick, satisfying recipes, check out a few more favorites:

• Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta — creamy with a little spicy kick!
• Spinach and Mushroom Quiche — perfect for a lazy weekend brunch.
• Crispy Fish and Chips in 40 Minutes — for when you’re craving something crispy and golden.

And if you love finding new twists on cozy classics, you’ll definitely want to browse some inspiration from fellow food lovers like:

• Salt and Lavender’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• Half Baked Harvest’s version
• Gimme Delicious’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• The Modern Proper’s cozy take

Or if you want a fun visual, check out this TikTok video tutorial — Derek makes it look too easy!

No matter how you spin it, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the meal that promises smiles, second helpings, and maybe even a few surprise “Will you marry me?” jokes at the dinner table.

Now go grab that apron — true love (and pasta) is calling!