If you’ve ever found yourself craving a creamy, comforting dish that feels like a hug on a plate, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is just what you need. Trust me when I say this pasta isn’t just tasty—it’s got that special “wow” factor that makes it perfect for date nights, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself after a long day. The combination of rich cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken just melds into this dreamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

What makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe stand out for me is how approachable it is, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavors without any fuss. I love whipping it up when I want dinner to feel fancy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie—so you can save time without sacrificing taste. I have a feeling once you try it, it’s going to become a go-to in your recipe arsenal too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in building that luxurious, creamy sauce with a perfect balance of tang from tomatoes and a little kick from the spices. When shopping, picking high-quality butter and fresh garlic really makes a difference in depth of flavor.

Uncooked pasta: I usually opt for penne or fettuccine because they hold the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite shape.
Butter: This is your base for the sauce—go for unsalted so you can control the salt in the dish.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that silky consistency without making it gummy.
Garlic: Fresh is key here for that aromatic punch; minced finely for even distribution.
Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and a slight sweetness to balance the cream.
Dry white wine or chicken broth: I usually grab a dry white wine for that extra depth, but broth works perfectly if you want to keep it alcohol-free.
Heavy/whipping cream: This is where the sauce gets its signature richness—don’t skimp on quality!
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems give bursts of tangy sweetness; I like the ones packed in oil for added flavor.
Dried oregano: Brings an herbal note that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and cream.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle kick—adjust to your spice tolerance!
Cooked/rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken cuts down hands-on time and adds wonderful texture.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Essential for that savory umami boost; adding some extra when serving never hurt anyone.
Fresh basil: Torn or chopped, tossed in at the end to brighten and freshen the whole dish.
Salt & pepper: To taste—always season gradually and taste as you go!

Variations

I love making this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe my own by shifting things around a bit based on what’s in my fridge or mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to customize it—you might discover a favorite new twist.

Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts. Personally, I love mushrooms here because they add a meaty texture without the fuss.
Spice it up: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want a bolder kick. I do this when I’m craving more heat and it never disappoints.
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan cheese alternative. I tried this for a friend once and it was surprisingly rich and satisfying.
Fresh herbs tweak: Replace basil with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal aroma that still complements the creamy tomato base beautifully.

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 just al dente—meaning it still has a little bite to it since it’ll soak up some sauce later. I usually set a timer for the shortest time on the package instructions to avoid mushiness. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s perfect for loosening up the sauce if it gets too thick!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour. This makes a roux, which thickens your sauce perfectly and avoids lumps. Once it looks smooth and bubbly, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown or it’ll turn bitter.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Tomato and Wine

Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for a minute to deepen its flavor. Then pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits—that’s flavor gold! Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the heavy cream.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings

Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it gently bubble for a few minutes so those flavors meld beautifully. It’s aromatic and vibrant at this point—almost irresistible!

Step 5: Mix in the Chicken and Cheese

Stir in your shredded chicken and parmesan cheese until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. This step brings everything together into that creamy, dreamy consistency you’re aiming for. Taste and adjust seasonings now—maybe a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta right into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat every piece perfectly. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. A final stir of fresh basil just before serving brightens it up beautifully.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to finish off this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving—it adds a lovely shine and richness. You can’t go wrong topping it with cracked black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want an extra pop.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted broccoli for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread is an easy crowd-pleaser, and I love how its crisp texture balances the creamy sauce. If you want to go fancy, a glass of that same dry white wine used in cooking ties everything together.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night or special occasions, I’ve plated this pasta in shallow bowls and topped it with a basil sprig and a parmesan crisp for a bit of elegance. Serving family-style in a large casserole dish with some rustic bread on the side creates a cozy, communal vibe. It’s fun to nestle a few sun-dried tomato halves on top for a pop of color too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The cream sauce thickens as it sits, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up again. This way, it tastes almost as fresh as when you first made it.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe because the cream can change texture, it’s definitely possible if you freeze it before adding fresh basil and parmesan. When thawing, do it slowly in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stove, stirring often to avoid separation.

Reheating

Reheating on the stove over low heat works best for me—I add a little broth or milk and stir constantly until warmed through and creamy again. The microwave is fine in a pinch, but be sure to stir halfway through to heat it evenly and add a splash of liquid to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes in the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they won’t provide the same concentrated tang and sweetness as sun-dried tomatoes. If you swap them out, consider roasting the fresh tomatoes first to deepen their flavor, or use cherry tomatoes sautéed until caramelized for a similar impact.
Is it necessary to use white wine in this recipe?

Not at all! White wine adds a nice depth and acidity, but chicken broth is an excellent substitute, especially if you prefer to avoid alcohol. The sauce remains flavorful and creamy either way.
How can I make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe healthier?

You can lighten the dish by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Using whole-grain pasta and adding extra veggies like spinach or zucchini can also boost its nutritional profile.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken mixture in advance and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything to keep it from getting soggy.
What’s the best way to shred rotisserie chicken for this pasta?

I find using my hands works best—just pull the meat apart gently into bite-sized shreds. It’s faster and gives you control over chunk size, plus it feels satisfying!

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is honestly one of those meals that brings people together around the table because it’s comforting, satisfying, and just a little bit special. Whether you’re cooking for someone you love or just treating yourself, it’s easy to make and hard not to devour. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—can’t wait for you to fall in love with those creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused flavors that make this dish truly unforgettable.