If you are searching for a comforting yet elegant dish that will wow both your taste buds and company, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This luscious pasta combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, flavorful tomato and sun-dried tomato sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat. Every bite offers the perfect harmony of rich textures and savory notes, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to make over and over again, whether for a casual weeknight or a special date night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is how it relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and comforting textures. Each ingredient plays a key role—whether it’s the smoothness of the cream, the savoriness of the Parmesan, or the brightness from fresh basil.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose a pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or rigatoni, to soak up every bit of deliciousness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky roux for the sauce’s base.
- 1/2 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce just right, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Brings a deep, concentrated tomato flavor and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds complexity and a subtle acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes this pasta so indulgent.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Offers a punch of sweet and tangy flavor with delightful chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy herbal note that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat to wake up your palate.
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (shredded): Provides tender, juicy protein that’s perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (+ more for serving): Melds into the sauce for cheesy depth and a touch of nuttiness.
- 1 small handful fresh basil (torn/chopped): Adds bright freshness and an herbal lift right before serving.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to bring everything together with balance.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your pasta just until al dente ensures it has a perfect texture—tender yet firm enough to hold up when mixed with the rich sauce. Follow the package instructions closely for timing, then set it aside but don’t drain completely until the sauce is nearly ready.
Step 2: Create the Roux and Build Flavor
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute. This step is crucial because it cooks out the raw flour taste and forms the thickening base for your sauce, giving it that silky texture you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Wine
Next, toss in your minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir these together until fragrant, letting the tomato paste cook slightly to deepen its flavor. Then pour in the white wine or chicken broth, giving the mixture time to bubble and reduce for about a minute—this enhances the richness without overpowering the delicate creaminess that’s coming.
Step 4: Stir in Heavy Cream and Flavorings
Whisk in the heavy cream gently, then add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and your shredded chicken. Let this simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully and all the tastes meld together harmoniously. This step transforms simple ingredients into the signature richness that defines the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Basil
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding that irresistible cheesy undertone, while the basil injects a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the dish effortlessly. Season with salt and pepper generously to taste—this seasoning step is key to balance all the flavors just right.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the hot cooking water. Drain the pasta and mix it straight into the skillet with your luscious sauce. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water will loosen it perfectly, helping the sauce cling to the noodles for maximum deliciousness. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side for sprinkling.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly torn fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese turn this dish from everyday to extra special. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top can also add a lovely finishing touch that excites your guests’ senses even before the first bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy, flavorful pasta with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to add contrast in texture and freshness. A warm crusty bread or garlic bread works wonders too, perfect for soaking up any lingering sauce on the plate—a truly comforting way to enjoy every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in beautiful shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. For gatherings, transfer to a warm serving dish and sprinkle freshly cracked pepper and herbs on top. You can even arrange some lemon wedges alongside for guests to lightly squeeze over, brightening the creamy richness with a zesty punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this heavenly Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Consume within 2 to 3 days for best quality.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container, ideally without fresh basil mixed in, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, then stir in fresh basil for a vibrant finish.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge without stirring as it can cause uneven heating and affect the sauce’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work wonderfully because they hold the sauce well, feel free to use fettuccine, bowtie, or even spaghetti depending on what you have available—just make sure to cook it al dente for the best results.
Is there a good substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can be used, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich or creamy. For the most authentic Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe experience, heavy cream is your best bet.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil, use a non-dairy cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild kick that balances the creaminess—nothing too overwhelming. You can adjust the amount to your liking or omit it for less heat, making this recipe very versatile for all spice preferences.
Can I prepare the chicken fresh instead of using rotisserie?
Definitely! Grilled, baked, or sautéed chicken breasts shredded by hand work perfectly. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but fresh-cooked chicken gives you complete control over seasoning and quality.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that captures the heart with every creamy, flavorful bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking to impress someone special, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. I encourage you to gather these simple ingredients and dive into making this delicious pasta—it’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level of love on a plate.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of white wine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to make.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 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
Chicken & Toppings
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining for later use.
- Make the Roux: While the pasta is about 10 minutes from being done, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over and cook, stirring frequently, for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Aromatics and Wine: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and white wine or chicken broth. Let the mixture bubble and reduce for about one minute to concentrate the flavors.
- Build the Cream Sauce: Whisk in the heavy cream, then add the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded chicken. Cook for a few minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish the Sauce: Mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then remove the skillet from the heat. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved hot pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add richer flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate before adding.
- Adjust the level of crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried oregano or Italian seasoning in a pinch.
