Dinner

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz dry pasta; 2 large chicken breasts; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1-2 tbsp olive oil; 5 fresh garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes; 1 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1 cup half & half; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Fresh basil; Extra shredded parmesan cheese (optional)

ByMariam Harutyunyan January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

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Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich sun-dried tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for special occasions.

A black pan filled with a creamy pasta dish, showing thick rigatoni pasta coated in a light tan sauce. On top, there are several thick slices of grilled chicken breast with a browned, slightly crispy outside texture, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The pasta and chicken layers are mixed, and there are small bits of seasoning visible throughout. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz dry pasta
1-2 tbsp olive oil

2 large chicken breasts
1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper
5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes

1 1/2 cup chicken stock
1 cup half & half
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta according to package directions. Reserve some pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper thoroughly.

Step 3: Rub half of the seasoning mix onto both sides of the chicken breasts until well coated.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes (optional: add some sun dried tomato oil). Sauté on low heat for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Pour in the chicken stock and deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
Step 7: Add the half & half and parmesan cheese gradually over low heat, stirring frequently until cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
Step 8: Increase heat to medium and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the remaining seasoning mix. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5-10 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken once done.

Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Slice the chicken breasts and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan.
Step 10: Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, savory pasta dish.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat with more flavor.

Substitute half & half with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Add a handful of spinach or arugula at the end for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Keep grated parmesan at room temperature to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is grilled chicken pieces with a golden brown, lightly charred texture, and the top layer consists of rigatoni pasta coated in creamy sauce with specks of herbs and small bits of red pepper. The pasta and chicken pieces are garnished with small pieces of fresh green herbs. A silver fork is holding some rigatoni pasta and a piece of chicken, lifted above the rest of the dish. The food is in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this dish works well with various pastas like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Simmer the chicken in the sauce for 5-10 minutes depending on thickness. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.