Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a rich, comforting pasta dish that feels a little fancy but comes together quickly, you’re going to love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken, blending creamy, garlicky sauce with tender chicken and a hint of sun-dried tomatoes for a subtle tang. I find it perfect for weeknight dinners when I want something special without the fuss.

What makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe truly stand out is how the sauce clings to every strand of pasta, making each bite a creamy, flavorful experience. Plus, it’s flexible—you can use rotisserie chicken, making prep super simple. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to recipe whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients play perfectly with one another, balancing creamy richness, a little tang, and savory depth. I recommend grabbing sundried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor, and that fresh basil at the end truly lifts the dish.

• Pasta: I usually go for penne or rigatoni because their shapes catch the sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Flour: Just a little to thicken the sauce without it being gummy.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs the best punch—skip the powder here!
• Tomato paste: This adds a lovely umami and subtle sweetness.
• Dry white wine or chicken broth: The wine brings depth, but broth works well if you prefer non-alcoholic.
• Heavy/whipping cream: The backbone of that luscious sauce everyone raves about.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Their concentrated flavor balances the creaminess perfectly.
• Dried oregano: Adds that hint of earthy herbal flavor.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch to give the sauce a gentle kick.
• Cooked/rotisserie chicken: Saves cooking time and adds protein; shreds easily for perfect sauce coverage.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Stirred in for nutty saltiness and extra creaminess; keep some aside for serving.
• Fresh basil: Added at the end for a pop of brightness and fresh aroma.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, because seasoning makes all the difference.

Variations

I love how flexible the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is—changing up ingredients or adding extras makes it feel fresh each time. Feel free to personalize based on your pantry and preferences.

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or even eggplant cubes. I’ve done this when hosting veggie-loving friends and it was a hit!
• Add spinach or kale: Toss in some greens during the last few minutes of simmering for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: I sometimes increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika to give it a smoky undertone.
• Use gluten-free pasta: No problem here! Just cook the pasta as per package instructions and continue as usual.
• Swap cream for a lighter version: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream to cut calories, just watch that the sauce doesn’t thin out too much.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it’s al dente—meaning it has a little bite but isn’t hard. I always test a piece a minute or two before the package’s recommended time to avoid overcooking. Once done, drain the pasta but keep a half cup of that pasta water handy; it’s a magic trick to loosen up the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly for about a minute to cook out any raw flour flavor. This roux base will thicken your sauce beautifully without lumps. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown or it can get bitter.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Deglaze

Now stir in the tomato paste until it’s completely mixed in and has darkened slightly—this deepens the flavor. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) slowly while whisking, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let that simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off the alcohol if using wine.

Step 4: Cream, Sun-dried Tomatoes & Seasoning

Pour in the heavy cream, then add your sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and let everything simmer until the sauce thickens and starts to coat the back of a spoon—this takes about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the consistency; if it’s too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water is your go-to fix.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken and Cheese

Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken to warm through, then sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently so it melts smoothly into the sauce. This cheesy addition takes the sauce to the next level, making every bite rich and savory.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish with Basil

Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Mix until all the noodles are beautifully coated. Finally, stir in your fresh basil right before serving to keep that bright herbaceous flavor front and center.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves on top—it adds that gorgeous fresh look and burst of herbal flavor. Sometimes, I add a light drizzle of good olive oil for gloss and a little more richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a simple bruschetta work beautifully too if you want to keep things classic and cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in shallow pasta bowls with edible flowers like nasturtiums or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for texture contrast. It looks impressive, and little details go a long way when you’re entertaining friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, so before reheating, I loosen it with a small splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times in portioned containers, and while the texture changes slightly, it still tastes fantastic. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—avoid microwaving from frozen if you want even warming.

Reheating

I reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, stirring gently until warmed through. This method keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky, unlike the microwave, which can sometimes make it grainy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a little treasure in my recipe collection because it’s easy, elegant, and wildly comforting all at once. I find it’s the perfect dish to cozy up with after a long day or to impress guests with minimal effort. You’re going to enjoy how the creamy sauce, fresh herbs, and tender chicken come together in such a dreamy way—so go ahead and make it soon, I promise it’s worth it!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★ 4.5 from 65 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender shredded chicken with a luscious garlic tomato cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil served over perfectly cooked pasta. Rich yet comforting, this dish is perfect for a special weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 cream (or whipping cream)
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt & pepper to taste

Chicken and Garnish

• 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped

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Instructions

1. 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. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
3. Sauté garlic and build flavor: Add the minced garlic to the roux and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to develop its deep flavor.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Incorporate chicken and cheese: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to warm through. Then, mix in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Finish with basil and serve: Stir in the fresh basil just before serving for a bright, herbaceous note. Serve hot with extra parmesan cheese on the side.

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Notes

• Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor, or rehydrate dry ones in warm water before adding.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
• Rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut, but grilled or baked chicken can be used as well.
• This recipe pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food