One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving comfort, crave no more: One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is about to become your weeknight obsession. With juicy chicken, a luxuriously creamy sauce, and that irresistible hint of sun-dried tomatoes, this dish feels both special enough for date night and easy enough for an ordinary Tuesday. One pan does it all, making cleanup almost nonexistent. Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s as unforgettable as its name!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that simple, fresh ingredients can deliver unforgettable flavor! Each component has a purpose, giving One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta its dreamy texture, mouthwatering aroma, and bold pops of color.

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender bites that cook quickly and work perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Lightly coating the chicken gives it subtle crispness and helps the sauce cling to every piece.
• Olive oil: A touch of olive oil ensures the chicken browns beautifully and adds a fruity flavor note.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce after the chicken is browned.
• Garlic: Four cloves bring loads of savory aroma—don’t skimp!
• Crushed red pepper flake: Just a bit for gentle heat, but you can adjust to your spice preference.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Gives the sauce backbone and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Heavy cream: The key to a velvety, luscious pasta sauce you’ll want to dive into.
• Julienne sun dried tomatoes in oil: They add tangy sweetness and gorgeous color—be sure to drain them well.
• Italian seasoning (no salt added): Provides herbal depth and rounds out the sauce.
• Penne pasta (uncooked): Short pasta like penne soaks up the sauce and cooks right in the pan for convenience.
• Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded): Melts into the sauce, creating a nutty, cheesy finish.
• Fresh basil: Scattered at the end for final herby brightness—don’t skip it!
• Kosher salt: Seasons everything just right—add as needed at each stage.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little bite and balances the creamy sauce.

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them brown evenly. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, dredge each piece through all-purpose flour, coating both sides but shaking off any excess. This simple step locks in moisture and gives your chicken a subtle golden crust that will soak up the luscious sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add your floured chicken breasts. Sear them until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Don’t worry about cooking them through at this point—they’ll finish later. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Aromatics and Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and melt in the butter. Toss in your minced garlic and crushed red pepper flake, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Immediately pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, and add the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the tasty brown bits left in the pan—they’re flavor gold! Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Chicken

As soon as the sauce starts to simmer, add the uncooked penne pasta right into the pan, stirring well to ensure all the noodles are submerged. Nestle the browned chicken breasts on top of the pasta, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything cook for about 20 minutes. The pasta will become perfectly tender, and the chicken will reach that juicy, fully-cooked stage (165°F on a thermometer).

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Once the noodles are tender and the chicken is done, remove the chicken breasts and let them rest briefly. Lower the heat under the pan to low, and stir in all that freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. The cheese will melt into the sauce, thickening it while adding incredible savory flavor. Slice or dice the chicken breasts and return them to the pan, tossing everything together. Serve immediately and enjoy every luxurious bite of your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

The magic touch for your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta? A shower of extra fresh basil and a light sprinkle of more Parmesan right before serving. A quick grind of black pepper on top makes it look and taste restaurant-worthy, and a few sun-dried tomatoes reserved for garnish never hurt anyone!

Side Dishes

This pasta is so satisfying on its own, but it absolutely loves company. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or add some garlic bread for soaking up every drop of that gorgeous sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed broccolini would also feel right at home alongside this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a crowd, slice the chicken breasts on a bias and fan them over each serving for a dramatic presentation. Try portioning into mini cast iron skillets, or top with a nest of fresh basil for a rustic, bistro-style vibe. Little touches like edible flowers or a drizzle of high quality olive oil can turn dinner into a celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta stores beautifully. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate—you’ll get up to 3 days of winning lunches or speedy dinners. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, but a splash of milk or cream can easily revive it.

Freezing

If life gets busy, this pasta can freeze for up to 2 months. Spoon individual portions or the whole batch into freezer-safe containers, making sure to eliminate excess air for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture creamy and the chicken tender.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or even milk, then warm gently over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it’s silky and hot throughout. Avoid overheating to keep the sauce from separating and the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Short shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli work just as well in One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—different shapes may need a few more or less minutes to reach perfect al dente texture.

What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and opt for a gluten-free flour to dredge the chicken. Be aware that gluten-free pastas sometimes absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust broth or cook time as you go.

Can I make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time for guests?

Yes! You can prepare the dish fully, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat with an extra splash of cream or broth in a covered pan over low heat. Add fresh basil and more Parmesan just before serving for that just-cooked freshness.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a slightly lighter sauce, half-and-half can stand in for heavy cream, though the result will be less rich. For a dairy-free version, try full-fat coconut milk, but keep in mind this will subtly change the flavor profile of your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Is this recipe spicy?

There’s just a touch of heat from the crushed red pepper flake, but you can reduce or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder version. Conversely, bump it up for a little extra kick!

Final Thoughts

This is more than just a pasta—it’s a dish that brings people together and gets everyone asking for seconds. If you’re searching for a foolproof, flavor-packed dinner, One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your secret weapon. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it work its magic at your next meal!

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