Try This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tonight

Creamy, dreamy, and packed with irresistible flavors, this one pot marry me chicken pasta recipe promises to steal hearts at the dinner table.

The dish blends tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious sauce that sings with rich, comforting notes.

Parmesan cheese melts into every single bite, creating a luxurious texture that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive meal.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a burst of brightness that cuts through the creamy richness.

You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Prepare to fall head over heels for this pasta that’s guaranteed to spark culinary romance.

Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy protein that forms the heart of this delicious one-pot meal.
• Pasta: A comforting base that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a golden-brown crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help with cooking the chicken and creating a smooth sauce.
• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Add depth and a subtle kick of heat to the dish.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a luxurious, creamy base that makes the pasta incredibly flavorful.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that elevates the entire dish.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, fresh note to balance the creamy sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Coat Chicken

Take chicken breasts and pat them completely dry.

Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

Dust each piece with flour, making sure to shake off any extra coating.

This step helps create a beautiful golden exterior when cooking.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown color.

The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet, which is exactly what you want.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for about one minute until garlic becomes wonderfully aromatic.

Pour in chicken broth and cream.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Chicken Together

When the sauce starts simmering, add pasta directly into the skillet.

Gently place chicken pieces on top of the pasta.

Cover the pot, lower heat, and let everything cook for approximately 20 minutes.

The pasta will absorb all the incredible sauce while the chicken becomes perfectly tender.

Step 5: Final Touches of Deliciousness

Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

Stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it becomes creamy and smooth.

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Slice or chop the chicken and mix back into the pasta.

Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this incredible one-pot wonder.

Tips for One Pot Pasta Perfection

• Pat chicken completely dry before flouring to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delicious crispy texture.
• Toast red pepper flakes briefly in butter before adding other ingredients to release their essential oils and enhance the overall spiciness of the dish.
• Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent noodles from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Remove pan from heat when adding Parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy, creating a smooth and silky sauce that coats every pasta strand.
• Add basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant green color and preserve their maximum flavor and aromatic qualities.

Storing Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed properly, the pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it can last up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy sauces, as they may separate upon thawing.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add a little liquid if the pasta seems dry.

What Goes with Chicken Pasta

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of the dish. These wines have enough acidity to balance the pasta's creaminess and enhance the chicken's subtle flavors.
• Herbal Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or add a few extra basil leaves right before serving to elevate the dish's aromatic profile. These herbs provide a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta and create a more complex flavor experience.
• Texture-Contrasting Side: Serve a light, crunchy side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The salad's crisp texture and tangy dressing will perfectly offset the pasta's creamy and soft components, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Bread Pairing Option: Include a slice of crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior will complement the pasta's texture and provide an additional layer of flavor enjoyment.

Flavor Ideas for Marry Me Pasta

• Gluten-Free Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour for dredging chicken. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute traditional pasta with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy sauce and protein-packed chicken.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. Select dairy-free butter substitute like olive oil or vegan butter to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Press tofu to remove moisture, then season and sear similarly to chicken breasts for a similar texture and flavor profile.

FAQs

The entire dish is prepared in a single skillet, which means less cleanup, fewer dishes to wash, and a streamlined cooking process that saves time and effort.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier, so they’re a perfect alternative if you prefer dark meat over white meat.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat that adds depth to the dish. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or omit them completely without compromising the overall flavor profile.

• How do I know when the pasta is cooked correctly?

The pasta is done when it’s tender but still has a slight bite (al dente). In this recipe, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavors and becoming perfectly seasoned during the cooking process.

Why One Pot Marry Me Pasta Is So Loved

• Transforms complex cooking into an effortless culinary adventure where everything comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
• Delivers a restaurant-quality meal that appeals to both adults and kids, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one delightful dish.
• Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings when time is short and hunger is high.
• Offers endless customization potential by adjusting spice levels, swapping herbs, or adding extra vegetables, ensuring the recipe never feels repetitive or boring.

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one pot marry me chicken pasta brings irresistible Italian-inspired comfort directly to your dinner table. Rich parmesan, tender chicken, and silky sauce promise to sweep you off your feet with its effortless charm and delectable flavor profile.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound chicken breasts (sliced thin)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne (uncooked)
• 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning (no salt added)

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup julienne sun dried tomatoes in oil (drained)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
• Fresh basil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by patting dry and seasoning with salt and pepper. Coat lightly with flour, ensuring even coverage for optimal browning.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, creating a delectable exterior without fully cooking the interior. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until aromatic and fragrant, approximately 60 seconds.
4. Pour chicken broth and cream into the skillet, deglazing pan and incorporating all caramelized flavor remnants from chicken searing.
5. Add uncooked pasta directly into sauce, positioning seared chicken pieces on top. Cover skillet and reduce heat, allowing mixture to simmer for 18-20 minutes until pasta absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
6. Once pasta reaches desired consistency, remove chicken momentarily. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy texture.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, providing a vibrant herbaceous note. Slice or dice chicken and reintegrate into pasta, ensuring even distribution of proteins and sauce.

Notes

• Dredging chicken in flour creates a delicate golden crust that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture to the dish.
• Scraping browned bits from the pan intensifies the sauce’s richness by capturing deep, caramelized flavors developed during cooking.
• Cooking pasta directly in the creamy sauce allows it to soak up all the delicious liquid, resulting in incredibly flavorful and tender noodles.
• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free or whole wheat versions, use plant-based cream for a dairy-free alternative, or replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms for vegetarian preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 735
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg