Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of rich, creamy, flavor-packed dinner that makes everyone fall in love at first bite. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and rigatoni tossed in a parmesan cream sauce, this one-skillet recipe is everything you crave in a comfort meal.

Rich and satisfying, this pasta delivers bold flavor and velvety texture in every bite. It all comes together in one pan with minimal effort and is ready in under an hour. Whether you're impressing guests or treating yourself, marry me chicken with pasta is hearty, crave-worthy, and a dish worth making again and again.

If you love creamy, flavor-packed pasta and chicken recipes, you will love this Creamy Chicken Lasagna, Chicken and Gnocchi, and Chicken Parmesan Pasta.

Ingredients

• Rigatoni Pasta: Rigatoni is a hearty, tube-shaped pasta that holds sauces well. Make sure to cook it al dente for the perfect texture that won’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Chicken Breasts: Use boneless and skinless chicken breasts to keep the prep minimal. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: These can be found in the pasta or international foods section of most grocery stores. Look for those packed in oil for the best flavor and texture.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: Heavy cream adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy sauce, while milk helps lighten it up. Make sure to use full-fat heavy cream for the best texture. Both ingredients should be at room temperature to prevent curdling when added to the hot pan.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan works best for a smooth, melty texture. Pre-grated parmesan can be used in a pinch, but won't melt as seamlessly. Add it slowly to the sauce for a creamy finish.
• Baby Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a pop of color and freshness. Wash and chop the spinach before adding it to the skillet, letting it wilt into the sauce for a perfect balance of flavor.
• Seasonings: We use a blend of black pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. These spices are the backbone of the sauce’s flavor profile. Adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to taste.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta in place of rigatoni. Make sure your chicken broth and any other pre-packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free to keep the dish fully gluten-free.
• Swap the Chicken for Other Proteins: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping the chicken for other proteins like ground turkey, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
• Pasta with Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the skillet along with the spinach for more texture and flavor. This will create a heartier dish and add additional nutrients.
• Creamy Pesto: Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto into the marry me pasta sauce to give it a fresh, herby twist. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the dish even more aromatic.
• Lemon Garlic: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, a teaspoon of lemon zest, and some extra garlic to the sauce for a bright, citrusy kick with a bolder garlic flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Making marry me chicken and pasta is simple and quick. Start with cooking the pasta according to the package, then follow these easy steps to create a rich, creamy dish. 

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken. Season the chicken with black pepper, salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium high heat for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the skillet. Saute the diced onions until soft, then add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the sauce starts to bubble. Slowly whisk in parmesan until completely melted.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken. Add the spinach to the skillet, stirring occasionally until it wilts. Then, toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese, then enjoy your creamy, flavorful meal! 

Storage Directions 

• Storing: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy dairy-based sauce may change texture when thawed and reheated.
• Reheating: Reheat the dish in the microwave on medium heat for 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until it is heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine everything in the skillet for a quick, delicious meal.

Serving Suggestions

Whether it's a casual weeknight or a special gathering, this one-pot marry me chicken pasta is versatile and easy to pair with a variety of sides.

• Make for a Weeknight Dinner: This easy, comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Pair it with homemade soft garlic breadsticks or a light simple cucumber salad for a full, satisfying meal. Then finish off with a slice of our easy key lime pie for dessert.
• Serve at a Potluck or Dinner Party: This chicken pasta dish will be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Enjoy other favorites like bacon wrapped asparagus and strawberry pretzel salad.