There's nothing quite like the comfort of a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that comes together in just one pot. This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a showstopper – tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta all wrapped in a luscious, cheesy sauce.
The first time I made this, my family couldn’t stop raving about it, and it quickly earned a top spot in our dinner rotation. It's not only irresistibly delicious but also quick and simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!
Why You'll Love This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Get ready to swoon over this crowd-pleaser of a recipe. It’s everything you could ask for in a dinner: creamy, savory, and packed with flavor.
First, the one-pot approach means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. No juggling multiple pans or scrubbing endless dishes – everything comes together in the same pot, making your life a little easier.
It’s also a budget-friendly option. Using simple pantry staples like pasta, chicken, and chicken broth, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
Plus, the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this dish never fails to impress.
Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. Don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? Swap them for fresh cherry tomatoes. Prefer a spicier kick? Add some red pepper flakes. This recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its carefully chosen ingredients that create an unforgettable flavor profile.
The chicken is the heart of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly, but thighs stay juicier and pack a little extra flavor. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
For the pasta, short shapes like penne or rotini are ideal. Their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
The sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the dish. Look for oil-packed varieties as they’re more tender and flavorful, and you can even use the oil to sauté your chicken for an added layer of richness.
The cream and chicken broth are the base of the sauce. The cream ensures a velvety texture, while the broth adds savory depth without being overly heavy.
Finally, Parmesan cheese is the key to finishing the dish. Its salty, nutty flavor ties everything together and makes the sauce irresistibly creamy. Freshly grated Parmesan is best for melting smoothly.
No special equipment is needed, just a large, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet to cook everything evenly.
How To Make This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Making this dish is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these easy steps for a perfect pasta dinner every time.
Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper, and let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side to develop a golden crust before flipping. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in your sun-dried tomatoes, letting their flavor infuse the oil. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this adds incredible depth to the sauce.
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and add your pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
Return the chicken to the pot, stir in grated Parmesan, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and brightness.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though it’s rare with this dish!), they store beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Microwave in short bursts or heat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently.
This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, which can separate upon thawing. However, it’s so quick to make fresh that you won’t miss having it ready in the freezer.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or pantry.
For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the sauce. It pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. While the sauce won’t be as rich, it will still be delicious.
Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even a plant-based chicken alternative. The flavors of the sauce complement vegetables wonderfully.
Love cheese? Experiment with different varieties like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a twist on the classic Parmesan flavor.
For a fresh, vibrant addition, stir in a handful of spinach or arugula just before serving. The heat from the pasta will wilt the greens perfectly.
This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly satisfying – perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
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One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make this irresistible One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add penne pasta and Italian seasoning. Stir well, cover, and cook until pasta is tender (10-12 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape of your choice if penne isn't available.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
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