There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of creamy pasta wafting through your kitchen on a busy evening. This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, savory sauce in a dish that's as delicious as its name suggests.
I discovered this recipe when looking for a meal that felt indulgent yet simple to prepare. With everything cooked in one pot, it quickly became my go-to choice for impressing guests or treating my family to a restaurant-worthy dinner at home. Let me show you why this recipe is a must-try!
Why You'll Love This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite weeknight dinner. This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an irresistible blend of flavor, convenience, and versatility.
First, it's a true time-saver. Cooking the chicken, pasta, and sauce all in one pot means less cleanup, less hassle, and more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones. It's perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of effort.
Second, the flavors are out of this world. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream creates a rich, luxurious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of depth.
Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters, a romantic date night, or a family gathering, this dish is sure to win everyone over. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it incredibly versatile.
Lastly, it's budget-friendly. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up this mouthwatering meal without breaking the bank.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, creamy texture and bold taste of this pasta.
Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe. They’re juicy, flavorful, and cook beautifully in the sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken breasts, but thighs deliver the best results.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best here. Their ridges catch the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used as well.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the dish. Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. If you don’t have them on hand, roasted red peppers can be a great alternative.
Heavy cream and chicken broth: These two ingredients form the base of the sauce, creating a luscious, velvety consistency. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key here. It melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty kick that ties everything together.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a large pot or deep skillet with a lid to cook everything in.
How To Make This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creating this dreamy pasta dish is easier than you might think. Here’s how to bring it all together in just a few simple steps.
Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and let it heat up. Season your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, then set aside.
In the same pot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to release their flavor into the oil. Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step ensures you capture all that delicious flavor.
Next, stir in heavy cream and uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it into the creamy pasta. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and watch as everyone digs in!
From start to finish, this dish takes just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy nights.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they can be stored easily. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the pasta to loosen the sauce. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, you can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. While the sauce may separate slightly upon freezing, a quick stir will bring it back together.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of this recipe makes it even more appealing. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:
- Swap the chicken thighs for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different protein option.
- Use spinach or kale in place of basil for an extra dose of greens. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for a touch of acidity and depth.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a unique flavor twist.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, and you’re sure to discover new favorites along the way.
This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it's an experience that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat. Whether you're cooking for someone special or treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!
PrintOne Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Indulge in this flavorful One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe! This creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan in a rich, velvety sauce. Made in one pot for an easy cleanup, it's the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and uncooked penne pasta. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
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