If you’re searching for a dish that tastes every bit as dreamy as its name suggests, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is about to win your heart. Picture tender shredded chicken nestled in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed perfectly with silky pasta and topped with handfuls of fresh basil and a generous shower of parmesan. The flavors are bold yet balanced, familiar yet just special enough for any celebration. Whether you’re cooking for date night, family dinner, or simply spoiling yourself, this recipe might be the only proposal you need tonight.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes from combining a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that each play a starring role. Simple staples come together to create layers of savory, creamy, and tangy flavor, making this recipe both accessible and truly unforgettable.

Uncooked pasta (8 ounces): Choose your favorite shape—penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work—to soak up the luscious sauce.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds rich depth and helps form a silky base for the sauce.
Flour (1/2 tablespoon): Just enough to thicken the sauce, creating that perfect creamy consistency.
Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): Brings warmth and aromatic complexity—don’t skip it!
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way, adding vibrant color and an intense tomato flavor.
Dry white wine or chicken broth (1/3 cup): Wine adds brightness; broth makes a gentle, comforting sauce—use what you love.
Heavy/whipping cream (1 cup): The secret to a creamy, dreamy sauce that hugs every bite of pasta.
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/3 cup): Provide chewy, tangy pops of flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Lends earthiness that’s classic in Italian-inspired dishes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to wake up your tastebuds without overpowering the dish.
Cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded (2 cups): Use tender, juicy rotisserie chicken for a major shortcut and maximum flavor.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (1/3 cup + more for serving): Adds salty, nutty richness and that irresistible cheesy finish.
Fresh basil, torn or chopped (a small handful): For bright herbal notes and beautiful color—truly the finishing touch.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Don’t forget to season the dish to bring all the flavors together.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a boil. Cook your favorite pasta shape until it’s just al dente—firm to the bite. Timing is everything here; prepping your pasta as you build the sauce means everything comes together seamlessly and stays piping hot. Before draining, be sure to reserve a small cup of that starchy pasta water to help loosen your sauce later.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

While the pasta is doing its thing, heat your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute. This step thickens your sauce and gives it that glossy, velvety texture that makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so luxurious. Don’t rush—let the butter and flour become a fragrant, golden roux.

Step 3: Add Flavor Layers

Next, toss in the garlic and tomato paste, then pour in your white wine or chicken broth. Give it all a hearty stir. The garlic will become aromatic, the tomato paste will toast up for extra depth, and the wine (or broth) will gently deglaze the pan, drawing up all those tasty golden bits. Allow it to bubble for about a minute so everything melds.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Savory

Lower the heat and whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and the cooked shredded chicken. Now it’s time to let everything simmer for a few minutes, just until the sauce thickens up and the chicken is heated through. The sun-dried tomatoes plump up, releasing their sweet-tangy flavor throughout the sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Basil

When the sauce is just thick enough to gently coat the back of a spoon, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and the torn basil, letting them melt fairly quickly from the residual warmth. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go—you want every bite to pop with flavor.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add your drained pasta right into the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are perfectly coated in that creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce. If you’d like it a bit looser, splash in some reserved hot pasta water. Serve immediately, topping each dish with more parmesan and an extra sprinkle of basil for good measure.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

An extra shower of freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of torn basil take Marry Me Chicken Pasta from cozy to restaurant-style in seconds. Add a little crack of black pepper or even a flurry of lemon zest if you want a fresh, bright finish!

Side Dishes

This pasta is off-the-charts fantastic on its own, but a simple green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast. Warm garlic bread is another top contender, perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta family-style, heaped in a big serving bowl, or create individual plates twirled high for a more elegant presentation. For a special touch, tuck a few extra sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves on top, or serve in mini skillets for a playful, personal-size effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container while still slightly warm. Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to three days without losing its magical flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion cooled Marry Me Chicken Pasta into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Just note that the sauce may separate slightly after thawing because it’s so rich and creamy, but a good stir after reheating usually brings it back together.

Reheating

To revive your pasta, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until everything is piping hot, and finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you’d like.

FAQs

Which pasta shapes work best with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are especially good because their nooks and ridges catch plenty of sauce. Long shapes like fettuccine or linguine are also delicious and look beautifully dramatic on the plate!

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta without wine?

Absolutely! Substitute the wine with chicken broth for a dish that’s every bit as flavorful, yet just a touch milder and super family-friendly.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, canned cannellini beans, or even roasted cauliflower. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is the real star, and it loves all kinds of veggie partners.

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

If you’re in a pinch, try swapping in roasted red peppers or a small handful of cherry tomatoes (just sauté with the garlic for an extra burst of flavor). Each version brings a new twist to classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Can I add extra veggies or greens?

Definitely! Wilted spinach, arugula, or petite peas tuck in seamlessly right before serving. This is a great way to sneak in more color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to twirl up a forkful of Marry Me Chicken Pasta—it’s one of those rare recipes that feels both effortless and extraordinarily special. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this dish is destined to win hearts and become a repeat favorite at your table!