Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 tablespoon flour; 3-4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (shredded); 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (+ more for serving); 1 small handful fresh basil (torn/chopped); Salt & pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, dreamy, and downright irresistible, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the meal you turn to when you want something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luxurious sauce laced with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, a splash of wine, and melting Parmesan. Each forkful wraps your taste buds in comfort and flavor, reinforced by juicy pieces of rotisserie chicken and a pop of fresh basil. It’s more than just dinner—it’s love at first bite, and after just one taste, you’ll understand why this dish is so famously named.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is its simplicity, yet every ingredient plays a starring role. These are the kinds of kitchen staples that somehow come together and create magic, delivering flavor, creaminess, and color in every single bite.

8 ounces uncooked pasta: I love using penne or fettuccine, but feel free to use your favorite shape for maximum sauce-catching potential.
2 tablespoons butter: This is where the sauce starts getting rich and luscious.
1/2 tablespoon flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect, clingy consistency.
3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic builds the perfect savory foundation—don’t hold back!
1 tablespoon tomato paste: A little dab gives gorgeous color and depth of flavor.
1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Either one adds brightness and lifts the richness of the cream.
1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The not-so-secret ingredient for a dreamy, decadent sauce.
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: They’re tangy, sweet, and absolutely key for flavor and color.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Just the right herb to echo those Italian vibes.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: You’ll love the subtle kick these bring—add more if you’re feeling bold!
2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (shredded): An easy shortcut that gives you tender, flavorful protein in minutes.
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (+ more for serving): Don’t skimp here—freshly grated melts so much better and punches up the umami.
1 small handful fresh basil (torn/chopped): Adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful color pop at the end.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Make sure you season generously to bring everything together.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are all winners) and cook it until just al dente. You want the pasta to have a slight bite so it can finish absorbing all that tasty sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that hot starchy pasta water before draining!

Step 2: Make a Roux with Butter and Flour

When your pasta is about 10 minutes from done, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute. This little step creates a silky base that will hold your creamy sauce together without any lumps.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Deglaze

Add the minced garlic and tomato paste right into the skillet. Stir them around until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color (about 30 seconds to a minute). Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and let it bubble, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. This brightens up your sauce and infuses it with loads of character.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce and Add Chicken

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, letting the sauce turn luxuriously smooth. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and the shredded rotisserie chicken. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the sauce thickens and all those rich flavors mingle.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Basil

Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated parmesan and a shower of fresh basil. The cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy and intensely savory, while the basil brings everything to life with a touch of garden-fresh flavor.

Step 6: Toss Pasta with Sauce

Add the drained pasta right into your skillet. Toss it all together until every single noodle is beautifully coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, drizzle in just a splash of reserved pasta water until it’s the perfect consistency. Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately, showered with extra parmesan if you’re like me and can’t resist a little more cheese!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

This is your moment to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta shine! Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of more freshly grated parmesan (because you can never have too much cheese), a few more ribbons of fresh basil, and perhaps a light dusting of black pepper. For a finishing touch of elegance, add a drizzle of good olive oil or a scattering of finely chopped parsley.

Side Dishes

Keep things cozy and Italian by serving this swoon-worthy pasta alongside a crusty baguette or garlic bread, ready to soak up every last drop of sauce. A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette is perfect for balancing out the richness. Roasted asparagus or lemony broccoli also make colorful, fresh partners for Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not dish it up in a big, shallow pasta bowl for dramatic effect? For a dinner party, transform it into an individual bake: spoon the Marry Me Chicken Pasta into ramekins, top with a little extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden. Or, spiral it up on a plate with tongs for that elegant “chef’s table” look. Either way, the vibrant colors and creamy sauce will do most of the talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (trust me, they won’t last long!), scoop the cooled Marry Me Chicken Pasta into an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days and makes an outstanding weekday lunch or midnight snack.

Freezing

While the sauce is richest and creamiest fresh, you can absolutely freeze this dish if needed. Pop it into a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the sauce may separate a little when reheated—add a splash of cream or milk while warming to help bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta, add a spoonful of milk, cream, or chicken broth to the pasta and warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. A little extra grated parmesan on top never hurts!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe shines with short shapes like penne or rigatoni, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even shells—whatever you have on hand will soak up the sauce and taste delicious.

What can I substitute for the wine?

If you don’t want to use wine, chicken broth is the perfect stand-in and will still provide a lovely depth of flavor. Vegetable broth works as well if you want a lighter profile.

Is there a lighter version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

You can lighten up the dish by using half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. Reduced-fat parmesan will melt in just as smoothly, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Can I make it vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian-friendly Marry Me Chicken Pasta, simply leave out the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies like zucchini or red bell peppers. The sauce itself is so flavorful, you won’t miss the meat!

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your sauce thickens up more than you’d like, don’t worry! Just stir in a splash or two of reserved pasta water. The starch in the water thins out the sauce while keeping it silky and smooth.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that steals the spotlight whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a celebration with someone special. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and get ready for the compliments (and maybe even a proposal or two) to start rolling in!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that will win over anyone’s heart. Tender pasta is coated in a luxurious cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and a hint of spice. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente in a pot of salted boiling water.
Prepare the Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add flour, garlic, tomato paste, and wine. Stir and cook briefly.
Add Ingredients: Whisk in cream, then add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chicken. Cook until sauce thickens.
Finish the Dish: Stir in parmesan and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with more parmesan and enjoy immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian