This luxuriously creamy pasta dish combines pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce that’s so irresistibly delicious, it earned its romantic name from countless proposals reportedly made after serving it. The recipe features tender, golden-brown chicken slices nestled in pasta coated with a velvety sauce enriched with garlic, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory Parmesan cheese. With its restaurant-quality presentation and deeply satisfying flavors, this one-pan meal delivers an impressive dinner that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for date nights, special occasions, or any time you want to create a memorable dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Romance-Worthy Flavor – The combination of rich cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, sharp Parmesan, and aromatic garlic creates such an enchanting flavor profile that it’s legendarily known for inspiring marriage proposals.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish delivers the sophisticated taste and elegant presentation you’d expect from an upscale Italian restaurant, yet requires only basic cooking techniques and readily available ingredients.
• One-Pan Efficiency – By cooking the chicken and sauce in the same pan, you build layers of flavor through fond (browned bits) while minimizing cleanup, making this impressive dish surprisingly practical for weeknight cooking.
• Quick Preparation Time – Despite its gourmet appearance and complex flavors, this entire dish comes together in approximately 30-35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy schedules.
• Versatile Pasta Options – The creamy sauce works beautifully with various pasta shapes, allowing you to use whatever you have on hand or prefer, from penne to fettuccine to rigatoni.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal – The familiar, comforting flavors of creamy Italian cuisine appeal to virtually all palates, making this a safe yet impressive choice for entertaining guests with diverse taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Provides lean, tender protein base; approximately 1.5-2 pounds total, which should be pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Creates the cooking medium for searing chicken and building flavorful fond in the pan; use extra virgin for richer flavor.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Delivers classic herb blend typically containing oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that complements the Mediterranean-inspired sauce.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Enhances chicken flavor and overall dish seasoning; start with 1/2 teaspoon of each per chicken breast and adjust as needed.

For the Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds aromatic, pungent depth that forms the flavor foundation; fresh garlic is essential for optimal taste and should be minced finely for even distribution.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) – Contributes concentrated, tangy-sweet tomato flavor with subtle umami notes; use oil-packed varieties for richer taste and tender texture, draining before use.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce base with rich mouthfeel; this high-fat dairy product ensures the sauce doesn’t break or curdle during cooking.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – Thins the cream to ideal consistency while adding savory depth; use low-sodium broth to control salt levels in the final dish.
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Provides nutty, salty, umami-rich flavor while naturally thickening the sauce through its protein content; freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre-grated varieties.

For Serving

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine), cooked – Serves as the vehicle for the sauce; penne’s ridges capture sauce inside tubes, while fettuccine’s flat surface allows maximum coating.
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish – Adds bright, herbaceous freshness and visual appeal that balances the rich, creamy sauce; chop just before serving to preserve aromatic oils.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, patting the seasonings into the meat for better adhesion. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil to keep warm, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch strips.

Build the Aromatic Base

Without cleaning the pan (the browned bits add crucial flavor), add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the residual oil and fond. Sauté for approximately 1 minute over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, until the garlic becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden at the edges.

Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to incorporate and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan bottom, which adds depth to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring constantly. Continue simmering for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing with tongs or a large spoon to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Return the sliced chicken to the pan, nestling it into the pasta and spooning some sauce over the top to glaze the meat. Cook for 1-2 minutes just to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large platter, arranging the chicken slices attractively on top. Garnish generously with freshly chopped basil or parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the sauce at its optimal creamy consistency.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Chicken Thickness Matters – Pound chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet before cooking to ensure uniform cooking throughout; thicker sections will remain undercooked while thinner edges become dry and overcooked.
• Don’t Skip the Sear – Achieving a deep golden-brown crust on the chicken not only adds flavor to the meat itself but creates fond (browned bits) in the pan that becomes the flavor foundation for your sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Selection – Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are preferred over dry-packed varieties as they’re already softened and contribute additional flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate in hot water for 10 minutes and drain before using.
• Sauce Consistency Control – If your sauce becomes too thick, add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time until reaching desired consistency; if too thin, simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese to naturally thicken through reduction.
• Pasta Water Reserve – Before draining your cooked pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water; this can be added to the sauce if needed to achieve silkier texture and help the sauce cling better to pasta.
• Fresh Parmesan Advantage – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block melts more smoothly and provides superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (approximately 2 cups per serving)
• Calories: Approximately 650-700 per serving (estimated based on standard ingredients and portion sizes)

Perfect Pairings

• Simple Green Salad – Serve alongside a crisp mixed greens salad with light vinaigrette to provide refreshing contrast and cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
• Garlic Bread – Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for soaking up every drop of the luxurious sauce, maximizing enjoyment of the creamy base.
• Roasted Vegetables – Pair with roasted asparagus, broccolini, or green beans seasoned simply with olive oil and lemon to add nutritional balance and textural variety.
• Italian Wine – Complement with a glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or light-bodied red like Chianti that won’t overpower the delicate cream sauce while enhancing the Italian flavors.

Ideal Occasions

• Romantic Date Nights – The dish’s reputation and elegant presentation make it perfect for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or any evening when you want to impress someone special with your culinary skills.
• Dinner Party Centerpiece – Serve as the main course for small dinner parties or gatherings where you want to deliver restaurant-quality food without spending hours in the kitchen away from guests.
• Weeknight Indulgence – The 35-minute total time makes this feasible for weeknight dinners when you want something special that doesn’t require extensive preparation or advanced planning.
• Celebratory Meals – Prepare for birthdays, promotions, engagements, or other milestones when you want a meal that feels festive and memorable without the complexity of multi-course preparations.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Immediate Consumption Best – Cream-based pasta dishes are best enjoyed immediately after preparation when the sauce is at optimal consistency and the pasta hasn’t absorbed excess liquid.
• Refrigerator Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; note that cream sauces may separate slightly and pasta will absorb sauce, requiring adjustments during reheating.
• Reheating Method – Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency; microwave reheating works but may result in uneven heating and sauce separation.
• Freezing Considerations – Cream-based sauces don’t freeze particularly well as they tend to separate and become grainy upon thawing; if you must freeze, store in airtight containers for up to 1 month and expect texture changes after reheating.

Creative Variations to Try

• Mushroom Addition – Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or baby bella) along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for earthy depth and additional umami complexity.
• Spinach Integration – Stir in 2-3 cups of fresh baby spinach during the final minute of cooking, allowing it to wilt into the sauce for added nutrition, color, and mild vegetable flavor.
• Protein Substitutions – Replace chicken with shrimp (cooking for 2-3 minutes per side), salmon (cooking for 4-5 minutes per side), or even keep it vegetarian by using chickpeas or white beans for protein.
• Spicy Version – Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic or incorporate a splash of white wine before adding the cream for depth and subtle heat that elevates the flavor profile.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dry, Overcooked Chicken – Chicken cooked beyond 165°F becomes dry and stringy; use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness and remove from heat at 160°F, as carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F during resting.
• Broken or Grainy Sauce – Sauce that separates or becomes grainy results from too-high heat or pre-grated cheese; maintain gentle simmer rather than rolling boil and use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth integration.
• Bland Overall Flavor – Under-seasoning is common in cream-based dishes as the dairy mutes flavors; taste and adjust salt generously, and don’t forget to season the chicken well before cooking as this is your primary seasoning opportunity.
• Sauce Too Thin or Thick – Consistency issues arise from incorrect cream-to-broth ratios or insufficient reduction; adjust by simmering longer to thicken or adding reserved pasta water or broth to thin as needed.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in the masterful balance of complementary flavors and textures built through proper technique. Searing the chicken creates the Maillard reaction, which develops hundreds of flavor compounds while leaving behind fond that becomes the sauce’s flavor foundation. Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated umami and acidity that cuts through the cream’s richness, preventing the dish from feeling heavy or one-dimensional. Heavy cream’s high fat content (36-40%) ensures it can be simmered without curdling, creating a stable emulsion when combined with chicken broth, which adds savory depth while thinning the sauce to ideal coating consistency. Parmesan cheese contributes three crucial elements: sharp, nutty flavor; natural thickening through its protein content; and additional umami from aged cheese compounds that amplify overall savoriness. The pasta not only serves as a vehicle but releases residual starch that helps bind the sauce, creating better adherence. This combination of fat, acid, umami, and starch creates a deeply satisfying, crave-worthy dish. At approximately 650-700 calories per serving, this represents an indulgent meal where calories primarily come from the cream and cheese, providing substantial energy and satiation that makes smaller portions surprisingly filling.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta has earned its charming name through consistently delighting everyone who tastes it, combining impressive presentation with surprisingly accessible preparation. This recipe proves that restaurant-quality Italian cooking doesn’t require professional training or exotic ingredients—just quality components prepared with attention to technique and timing. The dish’s romantic reputation adds an element of fun and anticipation to serving it, whether you’re actually hoping for a proposal or simply want to show someone you care through thoughtful cooking. The versatility allows for easy customization based on dietary needs or ingredient availability while maintaining the core appeal of creamy, savory comfort food. While the 650-700 calorie count per serving represents indulgence, the rich, satisfying nature means reasonable portions provide complete satisfaction without requiring large quantities. For lighter versions, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reducing cheese slightly, or increasing the vegetable content with spinach and mushrooms to add volume without excessive calories, though these modifications will alter the signature luxurious texture that makes this dish so special.