One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese in a luscious creamy sauce, this pasta is cooked entirely in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a dinner that’s sure to impress and might even earn you a proposal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot simplicity means easy prep and cleanup
• Full of bold, savory, and creamy flavors
• Ideal for romantic dinners or weeknight indulgence
• Customizable with different pastas or proteins
• Great for leftovers and meal prep
• No special equipment needed
• Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes
• A restaurant-quality meal at home
• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot and stir to coat.
7. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente and the sauce thickens (around 1012 minutes).
8. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
9. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
10. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
11. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Total time: approximately 35 minutes

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist
• Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti
• Add spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes for extra greens
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option
• Stir in mushrooms for an earthy depth
• Make it spicy with more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
• For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast

storage/reheating

Let the pasta cool completely before storing.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Not ideal due to the creamy sauce, but can be frozen for up to 1 month
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

What makes this dish “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?

The dish gets its name from its rich, creamy, and irresistible flavor it’s so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just skip the initial searing step and add the pre-cooked chicken toward the end to heat through.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the creamy sauce well, but you can use any variety you prefer.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add mushrooms, spinach, or even chickpeas for protein.

How do I keep the sauce from thickening too much?

Add a splash of broth or cream while cooking or reheating to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or omit them altogether, though it changes the flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild heat from optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust or leave them out to control the spice level.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients. Make sure to use a larger pot and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Consider adding a bit of flour or cream cheese to thicken.

Conclusion

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a heartwarming, flavorful meal perfect for cozy nights, date dinners, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With its creamy texture, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken, this dish is bound to be a staple in your recipe rotation. Try it once, and you might just fall in love.

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