One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If there’s ever been a love-at-first-bite meal, One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is it! This is the sort of dish that makes you want to call your best friend mid-bite and rave about it. Rich and creamy sauce clings to perfectly cooked pasta, while juicy, golden chicken brings loads of flavor and those irresistible sun dried tomatoes and basil make each forkful sing. Fresh Parmesan, a subtle kick of spice, and that signature “marry me” flair come together in a dreamy, all-in-one skillet dinner you’ll want on repeat. Whether it’s a regular weeknight or a special occasion, this is comfort food magic in one pot!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta deserves the best and simplest ingredients—nothing fancy, just a few key choices that guarantee big flavor. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s building up that cozy sauce or brightening things at the end, so trust us, don’t skip a thing!

• Chicken breasts: Slice thin for juicy, fast-cooking strips that soak up the luscious sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Dredging the chicken makes it golden and helps thicken the sauce later.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken until beautifully browned with subtle fruity notes.
• Butter: Adds a rich, silky base for building the sauce and sautéing the garlic.
• Garlic: Four big cloves, because pasta and garlic are meant to be together.
• Crushed red pepper flake: Just a pinch for gentle heat—add more if you love a spicy kick!
• Chicken broth: The savory backbone that deglazes the pan and keeps everything moist.
• Heavy cream: This is why the sauce is so velvety and satisfying.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Julienne slices add bursts of tangy, tomatoey goodness and vibrant color.
• Italian seasoning: A classic blend (salt-free!) for herby, aromatic depth.
• Penne: The ideal pasta shape for hugging sauce in every bite—stick to 8 ounces for perfect balance.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded for nutty, melty magic in the finish.
• Fresh basil: A handful of torn leaves brings freshness and pretty green flecks.
• Kosher salt: Season each layer to build full flavor.
• Freshly ground black pepper: A finishing touch for warmth and complexity.

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts completely dry—no one wants soggy chicken! Season both sides with plenty of salt and pepper, then dredge each slice through flour for that crisp-golden finish. In your biggest skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Lay in your chicken and, without crowding the pan, brown both sides until gorgeous and golden. Remember, the chicken won’t be cooked through yet, just seared. Lift out the chicken and set it aside while you move on.

Step 2: Build That Flavorful Base

Dial the heat down to medium and drop in your butter, letting it melt and mingle with all those tasty pan bits. Toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for a minute or two until the garlic is fragrant. This isn’t just about softening garlic—it’s about coaxing out the foundation of flavor for your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the sun dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, a bit more salt, and black pepper. Crank the heat back up to medium-high, scraping the bottom of the pan to catch every last bit of flavor. The mixture should be bubbling gently, with the cream and broth blending into a golden, fragrant sauce base.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer

Stir in the uncooked penne, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Gently nestle the browned chicken back on top, right in the sauce and pasta. Cover your pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender and the chicken is fully cooked through (165°F is your magic number). Don’t peek too often—steam is part of the magic!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Carefully transfer the chicken to a plate to rest. Turn the heat to low and sprinkle in the Parmesan and fresh basil, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy and rich. Slice or dice your chicken, then gently fold it back into the pasta. Give it a taste for seasoning, add a twist of black pepper, and get ready for the best part: serving up your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta masterpiece!

How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A generous shower of extra Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil ribbons bring brightness and color to the dish. If you like a bit of color, a sprinkle of more red pepper flakes or even some halved cherry tomatoes can take your plating over the top.

Side Dishes

While One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an all-in-one wonder, you can never go wrong with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli. Don’t forget crusty bread—perfect for swirling through that creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For date nights or dinner parties, serve your pasta in shallow bowls, topped with extra chicken and those pretty garnishes. Try individual ramekins for a “restaurant” touch, or heap it family-style on a big platter and let everyone dig in. Or, switch up the pasta shape for special occasions—fusilli spirals or shells turn this into a whole new kind of showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually tastes even more flavorful the next day as the sauce soaks into the pasta!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Divide into individual portions in freezer-safe containers, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the creamy sauce retains its silky texture instead of splitting.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to their original glory, reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of extra cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. For quick lunches, the microwave works too—just stir halfway through and add a bit of liquid if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for capturing the creamy sauce, feel free to substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary by shape.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, with a few swaps. Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a creamy oat milk, and use your favorite vegan Parmesan for the cheese. The dish will still be rich and satisfying!

What if I only have bone-in chicken?

Bone-in chicken works, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and be sure to check for doneness before adding it back to the pasta. For quickest results and easier slicing, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Definitely! Try stir-ins like baby spinach, peas, or chopped bell peppers during the last few minutes of simmering. Just make sure not to overload the pot—balance is key for perfect creamy pasta.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If your sauce thickens up as it cools, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream before reheating and stir well to return it to that dreamy, velvety texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing food that just feels special, and One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that kind of recipe. It’s simple, cozy, and has a flavor story that never fails to impress. Give it a try for your next dinner—trust me, your table is in for a treat!

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