One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Irresistible One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for Date Night

Culinary magic happens when you create this irresistible one pot marry me chicken pasta that promises instant romance.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in a single skillet, promising an effortless meal.

Tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this dish a weeknight champion for busy home cooks.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious richness that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Fragrant herbs and a velvety sauce guarantee that everyone around the table will fall in love with every single bite.

Prepare to experience a meal so delicious, it might just spark a proposal.

Reasons to Enjoy One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Reasons to Enjoy One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
  • Whip Up Convenience: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single skillet, minimizing dishes and cleanup time for busy home cooks.
  • Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: Combine tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one harmonious dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Impress Without Stress: Create a delectable dinner that looks and tastes sophisticated yet requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A tender and lean protein that becomes golden and flavorful when seared.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich and creamy sauce that adds luxurious texture and depth of flavor.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Italian Seasoning: Provide intense, concentrated flavor and aromatic complexity to the dish.
Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken and provides a smooth cooking surface.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and enhances the overall savory profile of the pasta.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: Serves as the hearty base that absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the chicken.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, fresh herbal note and visual appeal to the finished dish.

How to Prepare One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

How to Prepare One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

In the same skillet, dance the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about a minute, releasing their irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Create Creamy Liquid Magic

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Pasta

Stir everything together and coax the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, occasionally stirring.

Watch as the pasta becomes tender and the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick coating.

Step 5: Reunite and Enrich

Bring the chicken back to the skillet and sprinkle Parmesan cheese throughout.

Allow the ingredients to mingle and harmonize for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Flourish

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra shower of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this one-pot wonder.

Helpful Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor.
  • Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and achieve an even, creamy consistency throughout the dish.
  • Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for an extra punch of rich, concentrated tomato taste that elevates the entire recipe.
  • Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
  • Chop fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils for a more intense flavor profile.

Delicious Ways to Change Up Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice pasta, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, allergen-friendly dish.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the garlic sauté stage to bring a bold, fiery element to the classic recipe.

Serving Ideas for One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Romantic Dinner Date: Pair this creamy chicken pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, creating an intimate dining experience perfect for special evenings.
  • Hearty Side Companions: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to balance the rich, creamy pasta texture.
  • Fresh Finishing Touches: Sprinkle extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan directly at the table, allowing guests to customize their plate with additional herbs and cheese for personalized flavor.
  • Leftover Magic: Store remaining pasta in airtight containers for next-day lunch, which tastes even more delicious as the flavors continue to develop overnight.

Storage Recommendations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, preventing moisture and preventing flavor loss.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water or broth to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with similar shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Just ensure cooking times remain consistent with the recipe.

  • Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  • What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

No worries. You can use fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a substitute to maintain a similar flavor profile.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore sauce consistency.

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One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers creamy, herb-infused comfort with tender chicken in a luxurious sauce. Italian-inspired ingredients combine effortlessly for a romantic dinner that will charm anyone you serve.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Liquid Base:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, seasoning chicken with aromatic herbs and spices until achieving a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
  2. Using the identical skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, releasing their intense fragrance within 60 seconds.
  3. Gently cascade chicken broth and rich cream into the pan, introducing pasta and thoroughly blending ingredients while encouraging a gentle simmer.
  4. Allow pasta to luxuriate in the creamy liquid, stirring intermittently for 12-15 minutes until noodles reach perfect tenderness and sauce transforms into a velvety consistency.
  5. Reintroduce seared chicken into the bubbling mixture, folding delicate Parmesan cheese throughout, permitting flavors to harmonize for a brief 2-minute interval.
  6. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal by scattering freshly torn basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese across the surface just before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and faster preparation.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting Italian seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
  • Fresh basil makes a significant difference, so avoid dried herbs if possible.
  • If sauce becomes too thick, splash extra chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
  • Allow pasta to absorb liquid slowly for maximum flavor and perfect texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 810 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 55 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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