Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This viral sensation has earned its name “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” because it’s so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal. The dish combines tender, well-seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.

What sets this version apart is the careful layering of flavors – from the marinated chicken to the wine-enhanced sauce and the perfect balance of cheeses. This recipe serves 6 and takes about 45 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes for marinating.

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta Base

• 12 ounces rigatoni
• Reserved pasta water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Signature Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1½ cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup white wine
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Fresh basil leaves

Method

Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate chicken pieces in garlic, seasonings, and olive oil for 30 minutes
2. Sear in a hot pan until golden but not fully cooked through
3. Remove and set aside

Make the Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté shallots
2. Add garlic, then deglaze with white wine
3. Make a roux with flour, then gradually add stock and cream
4. Incorporate tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes
5. Melt in both cheeses gradually for optimal smoothness
6. Add spinach at the end

Finish and Serve

1. Return chicken to pan
2. Add pasta and ½ cup pasta water
3. Toss until sauce reaches desired consistency
4. Finish with torn fresh basil and extra Parmesan

Top Tips

• Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly
• Pat sun-dried tomatoes with paper towels to remove excess oil
• Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-grated
• Save at least 1 cup of pasta water before draining
• Don’t rinse the pasta after cooking

Variations

Seafood Version
Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops

Vegetarian Option
Substitute chicken with mushrooms and artichoke hearts

Spicy Version
Double the red pepper flakes and add calabrian chilies

Lighter Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese by half

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	650
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	32g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	780mg

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
The dish is best served fresh, but you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. If reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water.

What can I substitute for white wine?
Use additional chicken stock with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed within 3 days when stored in the refrigerator.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat medium-low when adding dairy products and stir constantly. Never let the sauce boil after adding cream.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta has earned its reputation as a “proposal-worthy” dish through a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce creates an experience that’s both comforting and impressive.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and accessibility. While elegant enough for special occasions, it’s also simple enough for weeknight dinners, coming together in about 30 minutes. The recipe’s success lies in its careful layering of flavors – from the seasoned chicken to the garlic-infused cream sauce and the tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

The dish’s viral popularity isn’t just about taste – it’s about the experience it creates. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself, this pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality results with home-kitchen simplicity. Its ability to combine everyday ingredients into something extraordinary makes it a standout recipe that’s likely to remain a favorite for years to come.