One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that wins hearts and steals the show at any dinner table. Imagine a skillet brimming with creamy, sun-dried tomato-studded sauce, juicy chicken, and tender pasta — all cooked together to absolute perfection with minimal fuss. This one-pot wonder captures all the savory richness you crave, with a quick clean-up that makes it just right for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday suppers alike. If you’re in the mood for something crowd-pleasing, foolproof, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews, this recipe is a dream come true!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the lineup for One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Each ingredient plays its special part in building flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Don’t be tempted to skip any — they work together to make this dish shine!

• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and juicy bites throughout your pasta.
• All-purpose flour: Lightly coats the chicken to help it brown beautifully and gives the sauce extra body.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop that golden crust on the chicken.
• Butter: Brings creaminess and depth to the sauce, complementing the olive oil.
• Garlic: Minced for maximum fragrance and flavor — the aromatic backbone of the sauce.
• Crushed red pepper flake: Just a pinch for gentle heat; adjust to taste for more or less zing.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base without making the dish too salty.
• Heavy cream: The key to a luxuriously creamy, luscious sauce that envelops every bite.
• Julienne sun dried tomatoes in oil (drained): Adds a pop of tangy-sweet flavor and intense color.
• Italian seasoning (no salt added): Brings all those classic herbs to the party in one easy shake.
• Penne (uncooked): Its shape holds the sauce perfectly, but any short pasta works if you’re in a pinch.
• Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded): Melts beautifully into the sauce and adds savory notes and creaminess.
• Fresh basil: Brings freshness and a lovely color contrast at the end. Don’t skip it!
• Kosher salt: For seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors together.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity; season to your liking.

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then season each side generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Coat both sides in a light dusting of flour, shaking off any excess. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown, but don’t worry about cooking it through yet. Once both sides are beautifully golden, transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build a Flavorful Base

Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan, letting it soak up all those golden brown bits left behind. Toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flake, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant — your kitchen will smell irresistible at this point! Now, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a bit more salt and pepper. Bump the heat to medium high and scrape up every little flavorful scrap from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Simmer Pasta and Chicken Together

As soon as the creamy broth mixture is gently simmering, stir in the uncooked penne so every piece is coated. Nestle the partially cooked chicken breasts right on top. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium low, and let everything cook together undisturbed for about 20 minutes. When you remove the lid, the pasta will be tender and the chicken cooked through to 165°F, infused with every delicious flavor from the pot.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Lift the chicken out and let it rest on a cutting board while you finish the sauce. Lower the heat to its lowest setting and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves, transforming the sauce into a thick, glossy, cheesy masterpiece. Slice the chicken breasts (or dice them for easy eating), stir them back into the pasta, and serve your homemade One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta straight from the pan!

How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Garnish generously with extra basil leaves and a handful of Parmesan cheese right before serving. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes makes the dish pop and accentuates the creaminess and color. Presentation is everything, and those final touches make this pasta look as fabulous as it tastes!

Side Dishes

Pair your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or some roasted broccolini for a touch of freshness. Warm, crusty bread is a must — perfect for mopping up every bit of that luscious sauce. If you want something lighter, simple steamed or sautéed greens balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this comfort food into a dinner party star by serving it in a large, shallow bowl, twirling the pasta for height and layering the chicken slices on top. For a fun twist, portion individual servings in small cast-iron skillets or ramekins. Whether you’re feeding two or a crowd, One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta always feels special with just a little extra thought in the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a real treat for the next day! After cooling to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to soak up the sauce, keeping everything moist and flavorful without becoming soggy.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze leftovers, let the pasta cool fully and spoon it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top. It will keep well for about 2 months. Just note that the cream sauce might separate slightly when thawed, but a gentle stir while reheating will bring it back together.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings, stopping to stir midway. The flavors deepen overnight, and with the right care, your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta will taste just as magical as the first night.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely, chicken thighs work really well in this recipe and stay extra juicy. Just slice them thin and follow the recipe as written — keep in mind you might need to add a few extra minutes for them to cook through.

Is there a way to make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta lighter?

You can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be as rich. Lightly reduce the Parmesan if you’re watching calories, or load up on extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for a more balanced dish.

What other pasta shapes work well here?

Penne is classic, but you can use rotini, rigatoni, farfalle, or even shells — all are sturdy enough to handle the creamy sauce and chicken. Just avoid delicate pastas that could fall apart with simmering.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much as it sits, stir in a splash of chicken broth, milk, or even a little hot water until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it cools, so adjust as needed before serving.

Can I add vegetables to One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Definitely! Toss in baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The extra veggies add color and nutrition without overpowering the original flavors that make this dish so irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like gathering around the table with family or friends and digging into a bubbling pot of One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Every bite is cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor, and it’s so easy you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try — your loved ones just might fall head over heels for this one-pot wonder!

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