This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is pure weeknight magic—rich, creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor in every single bite. It combines juicy seared chicken, tender pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, all cooked together in one pot. That means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. It’s the kind of dish that gets rave reviews at the table, and yes—maybe even a proposal or two. It’s bold, comforting, and tastes like it took hours, but comes together in just about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan—less mess, more flavor, and cleanup’s a breeze.
Fast and Foolproof: From stovetop to table in about half an hour. Ideal for busy nights when you want something special without the stress.
Unforgettable Flavor: Creamy, savory, with a tangy burst from sun-dried tomatoes—this is no average pasta.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes fancy enough for date night, but easy enough for a Tuesday dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings this love story of a dish together:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Slice or cube for even cooking and juicy bites.
Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well. Choose one that can cook directly in the pot.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These pack a punch of tangy sweetness. Use oil-packed ones for added richness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic deepens the flavor. Don’t be shy—this recipe can handle it.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and cooks the pasta while infusing it with flavor.
Heavy Cream: This is where the sauce gets its dreamy texture. Don’t swap for milk—it’s not the same.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts better and tastes superior. Adds saltiness and umami.
Italian Seasoning: A simple mix to tie the flavors together. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like heat.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and enhancing the sun-dried tomatoes.
Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste—layering flavors is key.

Variations

Make this dish your own with a few tasty tweaks:

Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while the sauce simmers.
Swap the Protein: Try shrimp or even Italian sausage for a different twist.
Use a Different Pasta: Fusilli, farfalle, or even linguine can work—just adjust cook time accordingly.
Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or peas for a little green goodness.
Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of cream for a slightly lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich.

How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant. This builds the base of that irresistible sauce.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Cook until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to a creamy consistency. This usually takes 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken

Stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Return the chicken to the pot and let it heat through for a few minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to get that nice golden crust.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
Keep Stirring: Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Let It Rest: Give the pasta 2-3 minutes off the heat before serving—it helps the sauce thicken and cling.

How to Serve

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with:

Bread:

Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up every drop of that dreamy sauce.

Salad:

A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta perfectly.

Wine Pairing:

Try a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio—both complement the creamy sauce and savory chicken beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze it, but the sauce may separate slightly when reheated. For best results, let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, but expect a different flavor and texture. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The richness will be a bit different, but still delicious.

Can I use precooked chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just skip the searing step and add it at the end to warm through.

Does the pasta really cook in the sauce?
Yes! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The pasta absorbs all the flavor from the broth and cream while cooking, which makes it extra flavorful and creamy.

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream and stir to loosen it up. Keep the heat low once the pasta is cooked to avoid over-reducing.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a no-fail comfort meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just need something cozy after a long day, this pasta does the trick every single time. Make it once, and it might just become a regular in your dinner rotation. Try it—you’ll see why everyone falls in love with it.

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe