If you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress, Marry Me Chicken Pasta might just be the one that wins hearts with every bite. This viral sensation isn’t just about great flavor—it’s about creamy, comforting magic that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers romantic charm in every forkful.

But what makes this dish so irresistible?

According to the original creator, the first person to taste it said, “I’d marry you for this chicken!” And just like that, Marry Me Chicken was born. With a creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly seared chicken, it quickly became a social media favorite—and the pasta version took it to the next level.

For safety-conscious home cooks, understanding proper poultry handling is essential. Moreover, this dish also packs a nutritional punch. Thanks to ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, which are known for their antioxidant content, you’re not just indulging—you’re eating smart.

Table of Contents

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The dish combines tender pan-seared chicken, tossed in a luxurious creamy sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, all mixed with pasta. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors—making it perfect for sharing.

The Viral Backstory

This iconic dish was originally developed by Delish in 2016. It quickly gained traction online for its ability to turn a simple dinner into a romantic event. A video producer’s offhand comment—“I’d marry you for this chicken!”—sparked the name. Since then, the dish has been reinterpreted hundreds of times, and when pasta was added, it became a TikTok legend.

Ingredients List & Substitutions

Below is a handy reference table for your shopping and prep:

Ingredient	Purpose	Substitute (if needed)
Chicken breasts	Main protein	Chicken thighs or tofu
Sun-dried tomatoes	Sweet-tangy umami depth	Roasted red peppers
Garlic	Aromatic base	Shallots
Heavy cream	Creamy sauce texture	Coconut cream (non-dairy option)
Grated Parmesan	Savory, salty flavor	Nutritional yeast (vegan)
Pasta (penne/fettuccine)	Carb base	Gluten-free pasta
Olive oil	For searing	Avocado oil
Basil	Garnish	Parsley
Chicken broth	Liquid base	Vegetable broth
Red pepper flakes	Heat and balance	Black pepper or omit

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, add remaining oil.
Sauté garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan.
Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Bake and Finish

Return chicken to skillet.
Transfer skillet to preheated oven (375°F) for 10–12 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Remove chicken from oven, slice it, and toss everything with pasta.
Garnish with fresh basil and more parmesan.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Balance this rich dish with light, complementary sides:

Melting Potatoes – crispy edges soak up sauce
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans – use your extra cheese!
Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes – indulgent and fluffy
Simple Halal Garlic Bread – quick and crowd-pleasing

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freeze for up to 1 month (without pasta).
Reheat on stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive sauce.

Variations on Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Switch things up based on what you have on hand:

1. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Use peeled, deveined shrimp instead of chicken.
Sear for just 2 minutes per side.

2. Vegan Marry Me Pasta

Swap chicken for marinated tofu or jackfruit.
Use nutritional yeast and plant milk.

3. Spicy Version

Add smoked paprika and extra red chili flakes.
Finish with a touch of lemon zest for balance.

Looking to experiment further? Try our creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne for a veggie-rich take on the trend.

FAQs

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

It earned its name after a taste-tester declared they’d marry the cook just for this dish!

Can I make it without heavy cream?

Yes! Use coconut cream, cashew cream, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

What pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni—something that holds sauce well.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, but freeze the sauce and chicken separately from pasta.

What’s a good sun-dried tomato substitute?

Try roasted red peppers, sundried cherry tomatoes, or even caramelized onions.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Dish

At the end of the day, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than a recipe—it’s a love letter to creamy, garlicky, comforting food. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish offers:

Ease and elegance
A viral legacy
Romantic potential

Try it for yourself, and don’t be surprised if someone proposes before dessert.