Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

I crave penne a la vodka at least once a month—the combination of creamy sauce and tangy tomato is heaven on a plate.

And since I love creamy pasta dishes, when I came across marry me chicken pasta on TikTok a few months ago, I knew I had to try it.

After just one bite, it instantly became a go-to dish in our house. The sauce comes together into a silky, tomatoey cream with a hint of orange from the sun-dried tomatoes.

I usually go with chicken breasts, but thighs work just as well, and any pasta—penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine—works great. When I’m in a gluten-free mood, I swap the pasta for lentil pasta, and it’s just as good. It’s easy to make, but always feels like a special meal.

What is Marry Me Chicken?

Marry me chicken is a simple dish that’s become famous for its creamy sauce and juicy chicken.

The story goes that it’s so good, it might just lead to a proposal! It’s made with tender chicken, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, giving it a nice balance of creaminess and tang.

It’s the kind of meal that feels a little special but is still easy enough to make on any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender chicken and a rich sauce make it feel like something special, but it’s still easy to pull together.
• You can use whatever pasta you have—penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work great.
• It’s flexible—swap the pasta for a gluten-free or lentil version, and it’s still just as good.
• Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

1. Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced – or use chicken thighs for a richer flavor
2. Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine – any pasta shape you prefer works well
3. Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Oil from jarred sun-dried tomatoes – adds extra flavor; can substitute with olive oil or butter if needed
4. Cornstarch: For coating the chicken, helps it brown nicely
5. Butter: Adds richness to the sauce; vegan butter can work as a dairy-free option
6. Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced – garlic powder can work in a pinch if fresh isn’t available
7. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Thinly diced – use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for softer texture; can substitute with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor
8. Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy sauce; half-and-half or coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free option
9. Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated – adds savory richness; Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free substitute
10. Chicken Broth: Adds moisture to the sauce; vegetable broth can be used as an alternative
11. Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a bit of heat; substitute with cayenne pepper if preferred
12. Dried Oregano: Or use Italian seasoning or thyme
13. Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste
14. Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley – for added color and flavor; dried herbs can be used if fresh isn’t available

For the full recipe with detailed instructions and measurements, check the recipe card below.

Top Tips

• Save the Pasta Water: Reserving a little pasta water is key for a silky sauce. Adding a splash at the end will help loosen the sauce if it’s too thick and make it cling to the pasta beautifully.
• Choose the Right Pan: Use a large skillet to cook the chicken and make the sauce in one pan. This will build up all those flavors from the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic in one place.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts into the sauce more smoothly than pre-grated cheese. It adds great flavor and makes the sauce extra creamy.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it until just golden brown to keep it juicy. Overcooking can dry it out, so aim for 5-6 minutes per batch.
• Adjust the Spiciness: Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can skip them for a mild sauce or add a pinch more if you prefer a bit of spice.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Finish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and color. They add a fresh touch that brightens up the creamy sauce!