Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay juicier than breasts. The cooking time should be similar, but always make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes provide a distinctive sweet-tart flavor that's signature to this dish, you could substitute roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes in a pinch. Each will give a different but still delicious result. If using fresh tomatoes, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Certainly! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for substance. You might want to increase the pasta slightly to maintain the proper ratio of ingredients.

Why is my sauce too thin/thick?

Pasta brands vary in how much liquid they absorb. If your sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the chicken and pasta, then simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce. If it's too thick, add a splash more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth); 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 8 oz medium pasta (penne, fusilli, bowties, etc.); 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; Fresh basil, chopped or torn, for serving

This irresistible One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s simply swoon-worthy. The name doesn’t lie – this dish is so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! Best of all, everything cooks in a single pan, meaning maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet – the pasta absorbs all those amazing flavors while cooking right in the sauce!
Restaurant-Quality at Home: This creamy, savory pasta tastes like something from your favorite Italian restaurant, but costs a fraction of the price to make at home.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The richness of the cream sauce is perfectly complemented by the slight tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the gentle heat from red pepper flakes.
Weeknight Miracle: Despite tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks in the sauce. Pounding them to even thickness ensures they cook evenly.
Olive oil and butter: Creates the perfect base for searing the chicken while adding rich flavor to the sauce.
Garlic: Adds that essential aromatic punch that brings the whole dish together.
White wine: Provides acidity and depth of flavor while helping to deglaze the pan (though chicken broth works perfectly as a non-alcoholic substitute).
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the sauce and helps cook the pasta to perfection.
Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety texture that makes this dish utterly irresistible.
Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that adds complexity without requiring multiple spice jars.
Red pepper flakes: Provides just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.
Pasta: Medium shapes like penne or fusilli are ideal as they catch and hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add a sweet-tart intensity and beautiful color to the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce to clingy perfection.
Fresh basil: Brightens the entire dish with its aromatic freshness.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together; don’t skimp on properly seasoning each layer.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Veggie-Packed

Add a handful of baby spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and nutrition. Sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers would also be delicious additions.

Switch Up The Protein

Try this with boneless chicken thighs for even more flavor, or substitute shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as seafood cooks much faster than chicken.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute gluten-free pasta, but keep an eye on the cooking time as it may differ from regular pasta. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Lighter Version

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a less indulgent but still delicious result.

How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry (this is crucial for a good sear!) and pound to even thickness. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet – that’s perfect! Remove to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds – don’t let it burn! Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Chicken Together

Once simmering, add your dry pasta directly to the sauce and stir to ensure it’s submerged. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is al dente and chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Stir the parmesan cheese and most of the basil into the pasta until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Slice or chop the chicken, return it to the pan, and gently toss everything together. Garnish with remaining fresh basil before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Taking time to properly brown the chicken creates a deeper flavor base for the entire dish.
Watch Your Pasta: Different pasta shapes and brands may require slightly different cooking times. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
Prep Ahead: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic in advance to make cooking even speedier.
Deglaze Thoroughly: Those browned bits on the bottom of the pan after cooking the chicken are flavor gold! Make sure to scrape them all up when adding the wine.
Fresh Parmesan Matters: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Grating your own makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread is also a natural companion for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Wine Suggestion

A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce perfectly. If you prefer red, try a medium-bodied Sangiovese.

Presentation

Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the components of the dish. A final sprinkle of fresh basil and an extra grating of Parmesan never hurts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, making it even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwave reheating works too, but use medium power and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay juicier than breasts. The cooking time should be similar, but always make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes provide a distinctive sweet-tart flavor that’s signature to this dish, you could substitute roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes in a pinch. Each will give a different but still delicious result. If using fresh tomatoes, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Certainly! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for substance. You might want to increase the pasta slightly to maintain the proper ratio of ingredients.
Why is my sauce too thin/thick?

Pasta brands vary in how much liquid they absorb. If your sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the chicken and pasta, then simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly lives up to its name – one bite and you’ll be head over heels! There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and that luxurious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. The best part? You’ll spend more time enjoying this dish than cleaning up after it. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself to a fantastic meal, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.