I love the creamy, dreamy flavors in this dish! The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and that luscious Parmesan sauce over pasta creates something truly special. I first made this for a casual Friday dinner, and my family practically licked their plates clean. Now it’s become our go-to when we want something that feels fancy but comes together quickly on a weeknight.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
I always use high-quality chicken breasts for this recipe because they stay tender and juicy throughout cooking. Fresh spinach and good Parmesan make all the difference in creating that restaurant-quality flavor at home.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (I recommend using fresh garlic rather than jarred for the best flavor)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (My preference is to buy the ones packed in oil as they’re more tender)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (In my experience, low-sodium broth gives you better control over the final seasoning)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup fresh spinach (I usually add a bit extra because it wilts down so much)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking, as this recipe moves quickly once you begin. In my experience, this approach helps everything come together smoothly and prevents overcooking.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, which typically takes 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Pro tip: Avoid moving the chicken too much so it develops a nice golden crust. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3: In the same skillet with the chicken drippings, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible flavor to your sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Add the cooked pasta and Italian seasoning, tossing everything together in the creamy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Perfect Pairings for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This rich, creamy pasta pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp sides that provide textural contrast and balance the indulgent flavors.
Simple Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream sauce while adding a refreshing crunch that complements the tender pasta and chicken perfectly.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus spears bring an earthy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sun-dried tomatoes, plus the green color makes your dinner plate look absolutely gorgeous.
Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible Parmesan cream sauce, turning dinner into a truly memorable experience. If you’re looking for another creamy pasta option, try our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a different take on this flavor combination.
Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side adds vitamins and fiber while the mild flavor lets the pasta shine as the star of the meal, making it ideal for families with kids. For another delicious way to enjoy chicken and vegetables together, our Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry is a lighter alternative.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze echo the Italian flavors in the pasta while providing a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy main dish. Speaking of Italian-inspired chicken, our Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce offers similar comfort with a unique twist.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Serving Tips
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers incredibly delicious. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months, though the cream sauce texture may change slightly upon thawing.
When reheating, I recommend doing it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Aim for medium-low heat and stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Microwave reheating works too, but stir every 30 seconds and add liquid as needed to prevent the sauce from separating or drying out.
This dish is wonderfully versatile for different occasions. Serve it family-style in a large pasta bowl for casual weeknight dinners, or plate it individually with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for date night at home. It also works beautifully for meal prep since it reheats so well. For more Italian-inspired comfort food, check out our Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni or Chicken Marsala for your weekly rotation.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even more moist during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to reach 165°F internal temperature.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
While fettuccine is classic, penne, rigatoni, or bow-tie pasta all work great because they catch the creamy sauce beautifully. Choose whatever shape your family loves most.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet with the chicken drippings, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Add the cooked pasta and Italian seasoning, tossing everything together in the creamy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
