Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love discovering recipes that make weeknight dinners feel a little special without requiring hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with you. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—think tender shredded chicken swimming in a dreamy sun-dried tomato cream sauce, with a little kick from red pepper flakes. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for “date night in” yet simple enough for any night you want a satisfying meal.

I’ve found this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe to be a total keeper, especially when I’m craving something rich but don’t want to order takeout. The best part? It uses mainly pantry staples and rotisserie chicken, so you can pull dinner together in under 30 minutes. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat—and maybe a new favorite pasta dish to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is how the ingredients come together for a luscious sauce with layers of flavor. Each one plays a role, from the tang of sun-dried tomatoes to the creaminess of parmesan and butter. When shopping, opt for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes and freshly grated parmesan to really elevate the dish.

• Pasta: I usually go with penne or rigatoni—something that holds the sauce well. But really, pick your favorite shape!
• Butter: This adds richness and helps create that silky roux for the sauce.
• Flour: Just a small amount to thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must—it gives the sauce a fragrant base.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a concentrated tomato flavor that balances the creaminess.
• Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: I often swap wine for broth if I’m cooking for kids or want to keep it simple.
• Heavy/Whipping Cream: This is what turns your sauce into that luxuriously creamy goodness we all crave.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with intense flavor and chewy texture, they bring a wonderful tang to the dish.
• Dried Oregano: Just a pinch goes a long way to brighten the sauce with herby notes.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Cooked/Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves tons of time and keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and savory punch in the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: I love tossing this in at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Salt & Pepper: Season carefully and taste as you go—it’s key to balancing the flavors.

Variations

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is super versatile, and I encourage you to make it your own. Sometimes I swap out ingredients based on what I have or dietary needs, and it’s always delicious.

• Use Turkey Instead of Chicken: Once, I used leftover turkey breast from Thanksgiving, and it made the dish feel festive yet cozy.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less butter for a lighter version that still tastes indulgent.
• Add Veggies: I like throwing in spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
• Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free noodles, and use a gluten-free flour blend to keep everyone happy.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package directions. I like to cook it just shy of al dente because it will finish cooking a little when you toss it with the sauce. Once done, save a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s gold for adjusting the sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Build Your Creamy Sauce Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk for about a minute to create a roux—this will thicken your sauce without lumps. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste next; this adds such a rich, concentrated flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the liquid reduces slightly—this step deepens your sauce’s flavor.

Step 4: Add Cream, Tomatoes, and Seasonings

Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, so all those flavors marry and the sauce thickens beautifully. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Toss in Chicken and Cheese

Add your shredded rotisserie chicken and parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and melt the cheese, creating that irresistible creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it up with a splash of reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Combine With Pasta

Return your cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it with the sauce until every bite is coated. Finish by folding in freshly torn basil for that bright, herbal touch. And just like that, dinner is ready!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra parmesan right on top because who can resist a little more cheese? Sometimes I’ll add a few fresh basil leaves or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for shine and richness. A pinch of extra red pepper flakes works wonders if you want a hint of heat.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like pairing this pasta with a crisp green salad—something fresh and tangy to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread is an easy favorite too, especially when you want to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve laid the pasta in little ramekins and baked them with extra parmesan under a broiler for a bubbly, golden crust. It’s a fun change and makes it feel extra fancy without extra fuss. You could also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top for crunch and a nutty depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it chills, but that’s easy to fix when reheating by stirring in a splash of cream or broth.

Freezing

While I’ve frozen this recipe when in a pinch, the texture of the cream sauce can change slightly. If you plan to freeze, store sauce and pasta separately if possible, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove, adding a little cream, broth, or even water to loosen the sauce back up. Stir often to prevent sticking and keep that creamy texture intact. Microwave works too, but I find the stove gives the best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has become one of those reliable dishes I turn to when I want to impress without stress. It’s rich, flavorful, and just downright comforting. I hope you love making it as much as I do—give yourself permission to enjoy the process and get creative with the variations. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it over and over. So go ahead, cozy up with a big bowl of this creamy goodness, and savor every delicious bite.

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