One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that wows every single time, One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is here to sweep you off your feet. Imagine tender chicken soaking up a luscious, creamy sauce packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs—all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and, yes, made in just one pot!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is its fuss-free ingredient list—every item pulls its weight in delivering bold flavor, a creamy finish, or a little zing. Here’s how each one makes this recipe so irresistible.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Pounded even for juicy, tender results every single time.
• Olive Oil & Butter: Olive oil sears the chicken beautifully, while butter builds a rich base for sautéing garlic.
• Fresh Garlic: Three cloves for a big punch of aromatic flavor that infuses the whole dish.
• Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Use either to deglaze the pan and add savory complexity—wine for extra depth, broth for kid-friendly ease.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce balanced and prevents it from being too salty when the parmesan is added.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for that signature creamy sauce—no substitutions for true silkiness!
• Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flake: Italian herbs add warmth and depth, while a pinch of red pepper brings gentle heat.
• Medium Pasta (Penne, Fusilli, Bowties, etc.): Choose a sturdy pasta that holds the rich sauce—short shapes are best for this one-pot approach.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their bright, tangy notes add bursts of flavor and gorgeous color.
• Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Stirred in at the end, parmesan adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Sprinkled on top for a herby, aromatic finish—don’t skip it if you can help it!
• Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage, bringing out all the best flavors.

Variations

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is already a star, but it’s also incredibly flexible! Feel free to get creative, swap ingredients, or adapt to what you have on hand and what your family loves.

• Swap the Pasta: Try rigatoni, rotini, or even shells—just keep an eye on cooking time for each pasta shape.
• Make it Spicy: Double the red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for extra heat.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use an unsweetened plant-based cream and swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or a vegan parm alternative.
• Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, roasted red peppers, or thawed peas for more color and nutrition.
• Try with Chicken Thighs: Prefer dark meat? Boneless skinless thighs work deliciously and are nice and juicy.

How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is the secret to getting a beautiful golden sear. Use a mallet to pound them to even thickness so they cook evenly and stay super juicy. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for that perfect, crave-worthy flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the chicken—don’t overcrowd the pan. Let it develop a gorgeous golden crust, about three minutes per side. You don’t need it fully cooked; just browned. Set the chicken aside on a plate—you’ll finish it in the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Drop the heat to medium and pop butter into the same pan. Swirl it until melted, then stir in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle and become fragrant—about 30 seconds (don’t let it brown!). Pour in the white wine or extra broth, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious golden bits from the pan—it’s flavor gold!

Step 4: Add Liquids and Flavors

Next, pour in the rest of the chicken broth and the heavy cream, followed by Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and those lovely sun-dried tomatoes. Give everything a good stir—your kitchen is about to smell irresistible!

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Chicken Together

Crank up the heat a bit to bring things to a simmer. Stir in your uncooked pasta and nestle the browned chicken breasts right on top. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 15–20 minutes. The pasta will soak up all the flavors, and your chicken finishes cooking to juicy perfection.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the pasta is al dente and the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken to a cutting board. Stir the parmesan cheese and fresh basil into the pasta, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Slice the chicken and stir it back in, or layer the pieces artfully on top. Serve warm and get ready for glowing compliments!

How to Serve One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Scatter heaps of freshly chopped basil over the top—the vibrant, peppery aroma sends this dish straight into comfort food bliss. A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a twist of cracked black pepper make it look and taste even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta absolutely shines when paired with a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted broccoli, or simply a warm crusty baguette for swiping up every last drop of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in a big family-style platter or arrange individual bowls with sliced chicken fanned over saucy pasta and a pinch of extra basil. For a special occasion, drizzle the top with a touch of good olive oil and add edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), pop them into an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors actually deepen a bit by day two!

Freezing

Cream sauces can separate when frozen, but if you don’t mind a slight texture change, One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently, stirring well to bring the creamy sauce back together.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stove over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating also works—just do it in short bursts and stir well so the sauce stays creamy, not clumpy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to turn a weeknight into something special, One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta won’t let you down. It’s a feel-good, foolproof recipe that delivers big flavor and happy bellies every time—give it a try and don’t be surprised if you start getting lots of recipe requests!

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