Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe!)

​You may have seen the Marry Me Chicken Pasta on social media. This pasta version is an elevated version of that meal and it's perfect for date nights or busy weeknights. It's pairing of tender chicken and a flavorful sauce are rumored to make a man propose, so why not try it?! 

Even if you aren't seeking a proposal, you can make this meal for your friends and family in one large skillet and in just 30 minutes! So if you loved my Pasta al Salmone or Date Night Shrimp & Scallop Pasta, you'll love this one!

Why You'll Love It

There's so much to love about a creamy chicken pasta! Whether it's a special occasion or just a busy weeknight, this delicious meal is something the whole family will love. Here's why you need to add it to your weeknight lineup!

• 30 Minute Meal. Who doesn't love a hearty homemade dinner done in just 30 minutes? It's truly an easy recipe that comes together quickly with minimal prep and the entire family can enjoy it! 
• One Pot Dinner. The complete meal is also made in just one pot or pan! So that means less clean up in the kitchen afterwards and I'm all about that! 
• Might end in a marriage proposal? Hah! It's so good some people say it may even convince your man to get down on one knee! While I can't confirm or deny this rumor, you may just have to try it out for yourself and find out. 

Important Ingredients

The best easy recipes are the ones with simple ingredients. These chicken pasta ingredients may already be right in your pantry which make it the perfect thing to add to the dinner rotation. 

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - This is the main ingredient of the dish and I love it because it's economical and easy to cook right in the skillet. However if you want to use boneless skinless chicken thighs, you could definitely do that as well. You could even use leftover chicken! I just would avoid anything with the skin on and bone-in, it just makes it easier for you to actually cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and enjoy eating the pasta.  
  
• Sundried Tomatoes - one of the zesty flavor components of the cream sauce, the little bursts of tomato in each bite really add brightness to the dish. I would actually recommend you getting the bag of dried tomatoes vs buying them in the jar with sundried tomato oil. I find the sun-dried tomatoes in oil add way too much oil to the dish.
  
• Pasta - This marry me chicken recipe is really good with any short pasta. I like using bowtie pasta, but you could go with penne pasta, rigatoni, or any small sized pasta are great shapes for this meal. However there isn't a "right pasta" for this dish so get creative here!
  
• Heavy Cream - Obviously this pasta version of the Marry Me Chicken is known for the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. That wouldn't be possible without a little cream! You don't need much to make it ultra luscious and love at first bite!
  
• Parmesan Cheese - Another huge part of the creamy pasta dish is freshly grated parmesan. It melts right into that cooked pasta for a truly delicious sauce.
  
• Spices and Seasonings: Other flavor enhancers for this dish include Italian seasoning, shallot, and obviously salt and black pepper! 

Swaps and Substitutions

If you need to make some swaps and substitutions for your weeknight dinner, here are some ways to modify the recipe. 

• Swap in rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option. As long as you have delicious, tender pieces of chicken in the pasta it'll turn out great! 
• Stir in a little cream cheese instead of cream if you have it on hand. 
• Like it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Chili flakes are a delicious topping as well. 
• Adding tomato puree or tomato paste to the creamy sauce would really take it to the next level!
• Use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth. 
• You could even swap in a little white wine for the chicken broth! 
• Use a gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. 
• Top with some lemon zest for a delicious finish to the pasta. 
• Add some extra nutrition by tossing in a handful of fresh spinach. 

Tips for the Perfect....

These tips will ensure your dish is rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked!

• Cook the pasta until it's just al dente. It should still have almost a little crunch to it, this is because we are going to finish cooking it in the sauce and you don't want overcooked, gummy pasta.
• Searing the chicken to perfection ensures that you get those delicious crispy brown bits in the bottom of the pan to start building flavor in our sauce. Make sure the pan has been heating with the olive oil in it and season the chicken before you sear it and allow it to get golden brown on one side before flipping. 
• Be sure to reduce your heat of your pan to medium or a simmer when adding the heavy cream, you don't want it to curdle! 
• Use freshly grated parmesan for this, the pre shredded and pre grated stuff has anti-caking agents in it which will not allow it to melt down nicely for an ultra smooth sauce.