There's nothing quite like the combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce to make dinner feel special. This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a dish that lives up to its romantic name, delivering a meal so irresistible it might just lead to a marriage proposal!

I discovered this recipe on a particularly busy weeknight when I wanted a comforting yet simple dinner. It quickly became a favorite, thanks to its ease of preparation and the way it brings everyone to the table. Let’s dive in and see why this recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredible dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just need a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe has you covered.

First, it’s all about convenience. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean up and less time spent in the kitchen. Perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.

The flavors are absolutely divine. A rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs clings to the pasta and chicken, creating a dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make.

This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can customize it to suit your preferences, whether that means adding extra veggies, swapping in a different protein, or adjusting the spice level.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. From kids to adults, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds, making it ideal for family dinners or date nights.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Each component is chosen for its role in building layers of flavor and texture.

Chicken is the star of the dish, and I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender during cooking, but chicken breasts work too if you prefer leaner meat.

Pasta is what brings everything together. Short shapes like penne or rotini are ideal because their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the sauce. Look for oil-packed ones for extra flavor, but if you have dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water first.

Heavy cream and chicken broth create the luxurious sauce. The cream adds richness, while the broth keeps it light and flavorful. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy.

Parmesan cheese ties everything together with its nutty, salty flavor. Grate it fresh if you can – it melts better and has a much more vibrant taste.

For this dish, all you’ll need is a large skillet or sauté pan with a lid. Having everything cook in one pot makes the process streamlined and cleanup a breeze.

How To Make This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creating this dish is as easy as it is rewarding. Let me walk you through the simple steps to bring it to life.

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside – it will finish cooking later.

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, followed by the sun-dried tomatoes. This step infuses the oil with a rich, savory aroma that forms the base of the sauce.

Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and your uncooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente.

Once the pasta is tender, return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for a few more minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce while ensuring it’s fully cooked.

Finish by stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Serve the pasta straight from the skillet for a warm, comforting meal.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully. Transfer any extra pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days.

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, then warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the chicken and overcook the pasta.

For freezing, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and enjoy a quick, homemade meal whenever you need it.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, making it easy to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs.

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. They’ll soak up the sauce beautifully while keeping the dish satisfying.

If you’re craving a bit of spice, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper with the garlic. It adds a nice kick that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different types of pasta may cook at different rates.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. Pecorino Romano is a fantastic alternative to Parmesan, offering a sharper, saltier flavor that complements the dish.

Feeling indulgent? Add a touch of white wine to the sauce for extra depth, or garnish with crispy prosciutto for a delightful crunch.

Closing Thoughts

This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal – it’s a love letter to comforting, easy-to-make dinners. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or treating yourself, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. So grab your skillet, and get ready to fall in love with every creamy, flavorful bite!