One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Imagine the rich aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic simmering with tender chicken and al dente pasta, all bathed in a decadent creamy sauce. That’s the magic of One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a dish so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! This beloved recipe combines the viral “Marry Me Chicken” flavors with the convenience of a one-pot pasta method, creating a luxurious yet simple dinner that’s perfect for date nights or family meals. The name comes from its supposedly proposal-worthy taste, and after one bite, you’ll understand why. You’ll learn how to create this irresistible meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe will quickly become a household favorite for so many reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable—everything cooks in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The creamy sauce develops incredible depth from the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and parmesan cheese, creating layers of flavor that taste like they took hours to develop.

The contrast between the tender, juicy chicken and the perfectly cooked pasta creates a textural symphony that’s incredibly satisfying. Each bite offers a balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy notes from the sun-dried tomatoes and touch of lemon zest. Even better, this impressive dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.

The recipe is also incredibly versatile, working well for romantic dinners, family meals, or even as a crowd-pleasing dish for entertaining guests. The generous serving size ensures everyone gets their fill of this comforting, luxurious pasta.

Ingredients

For this incredible One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/3 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness and umami that’s essential to the signature flavor of this dish. For the best texture, use pasta that has some ridges to hold the creamy sauce. Fresh parmesan cheese (not pre-grated) will melt better into the sauce and provide superior flavor.

Pro Tips

Getting the Perfect Sauce Consistency: The key to a successful One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in the sauce thickness. Start with the recommended amount of liquid, but keep extra chicken broth on hand. If the pasta absorbs more liquid than expected, add broth 1/4 cup at a time. The finished sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to coat all the pasta. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Proper Chicken Cooking Technique: For the most tender chicken, sear it quickly over medium-high heat just until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove it from the pot while cooking the pasta, then return it to finish cooking in the sauce. This two-stage cooking prevents the chicken from becoming tough and overcooked while ensuring it absorbs the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Creating Depth of Flavor: Don’t rush the initial stages of cooking the aromatics. Allow the onions to become translucent and slightly caramelized before adding the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. This develops a foundation of flavor that makes the final dish taste like it simmered for hours. Additionally, adding the parmesan in batches rather than all at once ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden but not fully cooked. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then add diced onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors of the herbs and tomatoes.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (this adds amazing flavor). Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is almost al dente.

Step 6: Return the partially cooked chicken to the pot, nestling it into the pasta. Continue simmering, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add the grated parmesan cheese while stirring continuously.

Step 8: Once the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the pasta, remove from heat. Stir in most of the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 9: Let the One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Serve with additional grated parmesan and the reserved fresh basil sprinkled on top.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Transform your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta into a nutrient-rich meal by adding vegetables. After cooking the onions and before adding the pasta, stir in 1 cup of baby spinach, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 diced bell pepper. The vegetables will cook along with the pasta, adding color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish while still maintaining the signature creamy, savory flavor profile.

Seafood Adaptation: For a luxurious twist, replace the chicken with 1 pound of large shrimp or sea scallops. Cook the seafood just until opaque and set aside, then add back during the final 2 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. The sweet seafood pairs beautifully with the creamy, tomato-infused sauce, creating an elevated version of this already impressive dish.

Dairy-Free Option: This comfort food can be made dairy-free by substituting coconut cream for heavy cream and using 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice instead of parmesan cheese. The result maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions. The coconut flavor is subtle and works surprisingly well with the Mediterranean ingredients.

Storage and Serving

This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the silky texture of the sauce, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid during storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

For an elegant serving suggestion, place the pasta in warmed shallow bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil, a light dusting of freshly grated parmesan, and a twist of black pepper. Accompany with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness.

For a complete dinner experience, serve this decadent pasta with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in the wine beautifully balances the creamy sauce, creating a restaurant-worthy dining experience in your own home.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? While heavy cream provides the richest texture, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (to help thicken the sauce). The sauce won’t be quite as luxurious but will still taste delicious.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? Sun-dried tomatoes are key to the signature flavor of One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, but in a pinch, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of tomato paste mixed with a teaspoon of honey and 1/4 cup roasted red peppers for a similar sweet-savory profile.

Can I make this ahead of time for a dinner party? This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep all ingredients in advance. For best results, cook it just before serving, as the pasta continues to absorb the sauce when stored.

Why is my sauce too thin? Different pasta shapes and brands absorb liquid differently. If your sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or create a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it in.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time? Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken cooking step and add 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken when you would return the chicken to the pot. This creates an even quicker weeknight version of this beloved dish.

Conclusion

This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest — creamy, savory, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors that dance together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a special occasion, whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgent meal. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its incredible flavor but also in its simplicity, proving that something truly spectacular doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a sink full of dishes. Make this once, and it will surely become a treasured recipe in your collection, requested time and again by family and friends.

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