Why the name “Marry Me” resonates
There’s more to the viral name than clever marketing. Food brings people together, and this recipe hits all the right notes creamy, tangy, savory, and cozy. It’s the kind of dish that’s shared during big life moments or just an average Tuesday when you need a pick-me-up. The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and those rich sun-dried tomatoes feels luxurious but not fussy. And yes, it might just win over someone’s heart.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A dish I nearly gave up on but it changed everything
The first time I made it. I just had some leftover sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of cream I didn’t want to waste. When it came together chicken simmering in that dreamy sauce with garlic, herbs, and parmesan I knew I had something special. The reaction? My partner took one bite, grinned, and said, “If I hadn’t already married you, I would now.
For More Recipes please visit Our Pinterest.
One-Pot Wonder: Ingredients & Method for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What goes into Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Bold flavors and pantry staples come together in this creamy one-pot meal. The main ingredients of Marry Me Chicken Pasta are pasta that cooks in the same pot as the chicken, rich sauce, and juicy chicken. What you’ll need is as follows:
Chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer them more tender)
Olive oil for searing
Fresh garlic cloves
Chicken stock or broth
Heavy cream
Sun-dried tomatoes (look for ones packed in oil)
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Italian herbs dried basil, thyme, oregano, or a pre-mixed blend
Pasta like penne or fusilli
Salt, black pepper
Optional: chili flakes or fresh basil leaves for finishing
Not using a lot of cream? A spoonful of cream cheese combined with whole milk also works well. Full-fat coconut milk can compete in this case if you’re completely avoiding dairy. It will slightly change the flavor, but it’s creamy enough to add texture. The wonderful thing about this creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is that it only needs simple, unpretentious ingredients.
Print
The Ultimate Viral Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Creamy & Easy)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy, one-pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Quick, rich, and perfect for weeknights or romantic dinners.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil until golden; remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add pasta (uncooked), cover, and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Return chicken to the pot and simmer until fully cooked through.
7. Stir in Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and sprinkle with chili flakes if desired.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Use half-and-half or coconut cream as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
Leftovers keep for 3–4 days in the fridge. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
This dish freezes well but may need extra stirring upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-step: Make it all in one pot
Start by adding salt and pepper to your chicken first. In a large skillet or deep pan, heat up some olive oil and sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove and keep warm once browned.
Then add the garlic. Add your cream and broth once it’s soft and fragrant. Scrape the bottom gently with a wooden spoon; those flavorful bits are crucial.
Add the chopped herbs and sun-dried tomatoes now. Add your pasta, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. There is no need to boil it beforehand because you are adding it dry. To keep it from sticking, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally.
Put the chicken back in the pan after ten to twelve minutes. Continue to cook until the sauce has naturally thickened and everything is tender. If you like your food spicy, add some chili flakes for a little kick of heat and finish with Parmesan and black pepper.
Before serving, turn off the heat for a few minutes to allow the sauce to stick to the pasta and help everything settle.
For something equally fun and feel-good, check out the playful Muddy Buddies recipe for dessert. Because every comfort dish deserves a sweet ending.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Your Way: Custom Swaps & Storage Tips
Make it fit your mood or your fridge
One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how adaptable it is. The core ingredients stay the same chicken, cream, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes but there’s plenty of room to play. You can adjust it to match your taste, stretch it for more servings, or use what’s already sitting in your pantry.
Want it lighter? Try half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or cut the dairy altogether with unsweetened coconut cream. Need to go gluten-free? Swap in your favorite rice or legume-based pasta just keep an eye on the cooking time, since these tend to soften faster.
You can even mix up the protein. This viral TikTok chicken pasta recipe is just as delicious with leftover rotisserie chicken, cooked turkey, or even seared shrimp. Vegetarians can skip the meat and double up on mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a meaty texture without the poultry.
Your Questions Answered: Serving & Understanding Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What is in Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
At its base, this beloved dish is built from juicy chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and pasta cooked right in the same pot. What makes it stand out is the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, which bring a rich, slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan. Dried herbs like basil and oregano round it out, and a pinch of chili flakes adds a gentle kick. It’s an easy one-pot pasta, but it tastes like something much more involved.
Why do they call it “Marry Me Chicken”?
The name came from early food bloggers and writers who described it as so good, it might earn you a marriage proposal. While that might be a bit cheeky, there’s some truth to it this meal feels special without being fussy. It’s warm, cozy, and full of flavor. And it tends to leave people asking for seconds… or the recipe.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You’ve got options. If you want to lighten it up, use half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and a spoonful of cream cheese. Dairy-free? Full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well, though the taste will shift slightly. The important part is getting that silky texture that coats the pasta and clings to the chicken.
What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Since the pasta is rich, it pairs well with something crisp or green. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach also make great sides. If you’re going all in, a slice of fresh bread or a biscuit helps you soak up every last bit of sauce. For dessert? Try these Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Bars for a high-protein sweet bite, or check out the Water Kefir Soda to serve something light, fizzy, and gut-friendly.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a viral trend. It’s creamy, comforting, full of bold flavor and easy enough for a beginner to pull off with confidence. Whether you’re cooking for guests, feeding your family, or treating yourself to a solo dinner that feels like a hug, this one-pot pasta hits every note. You don’t need a proposal to enjoy it but don’t be surprised if someone asks for one after dinner.
