One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Creamy & Easy)

One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender, golden-browned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce in one skillet. Inspired by classic Marry Me Chicken, this pasta version turns the popular creamy chicken dish into a satisfying, all-in-one dinner.

The sauce gets its flavor from garlic, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Even better, the pasta cooks directly in the same pan, absorbing the flavorful broth and cream as it becomes tender.

It’s a wonderful choice for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or whenever you want a comforting pasta meal without dealing with a pile of dishes.

Recipe Overview

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: The chicken and pasta cook in the same skillet, making cleanup much easier.

• Rich, creamy sauce: Heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan create a smooth, savory sauce.

• Flavorful ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan give every bite plenty of flavor.

• A complete dinner: Chicken and pasta make this a filling meal without needing several separate dishes.

• Easy to customize: Add spinach, mushrooms, or extra red pepper flakes to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 12 ounces penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 cup fresh baby spinach (optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Ingredient Notes

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient and cook quickly. Chicken thighs are another good option and provide a slightly richer flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work particularly well because they are tender and flavorful. Drain them before chopping.

Heavy cream: Use heavy whipping cream for a rich, creamy consistency. Half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be thinner.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking ingredients.

Pasta: Penne is a great choice because its shape holds the creamy sauce. Rigatoni or rotini can also work.

How to Make One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Prepare and season the chicken.

Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

2. Build the flavor base.

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic smells fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.

Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute the seasonings.

3. Add the pasta and liquid.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add the uncooked penne pasta and stir until most of the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Cook the pasta.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Check the pasta near the end of the cooking time. It should be tender but still have a slight bite.

If the liquid reduces too quickly before the pasta is cooked, add a little extra warm chicken broth.

5. Make the Parmesan cream sauce.

Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

Add the optional baby spinach and stir until wilted.

6. Finish and serve.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

Let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly. Finish with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan if desired.

Serve warm.

Expert Tips

• Use a deep skillet: A large, deep 12-inch skillet gives the pasta enough room to cook evenly.

• Don’t overcrowd the chicken: Brown it in batches if necessary. This helps develop better color.

• Stir the pasta regularly: Pasta cooked directly in sauce can stick to the bottom, especially as the liquid reduces.

• Control the heat: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil to help prevent the cream from separating.

• Add Parmesan gradually: Stir it into the sauce over low heat for a smoother consistency.

• Adjust the sauce: If it becomes too thick, add a splash of warm chicken broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much heat: Boiling the cream sauce aggressively can cause separation.

• Adding all the Parmesan at once: Large amounts added too quickly may create clumps.

• Not stirring the pasta: This can lead to uneven cooking and pasta sticking together.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cook chicken to 165°F and avoid leaving it on the heat longer than necessary.

• Skipping the resting time: A couple of minutes allows the sauce to settle and cling to the pasta.

Easy Variations

• Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Increase the red pepper flakes for more heat.

• Spinach and Mushroom: Add sliced mushrooms when cooking the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then stir in spinach near the end.

• Extra Cheesy: Add a little shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan for a creamier, cheesier finish.

• Cajun Style: Replace the Italian seasoning and paprika with Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken breasts: Boneless chicken thighs work well and remain tender.

• Penne: Substitute rotini, rigatoni, or another short pasta. Cooking times and liquid absorption may vary.

• Heavy cream: Half-and-half can be used, although the sauce will be less rich.

• Chicken broth: Low-sodium vegetable broth is a suitable alternative.

• Fresh spinach: Baby kale can be substituted, although it may need slightly longer to soften.

• Fresh basil: Use a smaller amount of dried basil if fresh isn’t available.

What to Serve With It

Since this pasta is already rich and filling, lighter sides work particularly well.

• Garlic bread: Ideal for enjoying any extra Parmesan cream sauce.

• Simple green salad: A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.

• Roasted broccoli: Adds a slightly crisp texture and pairs naturally with Parmesan.

• Steamed green beans: A simple vegetable side that keeps the meal balanced.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended because cream-based Parmesan sauces can separate and become grainy after thawing.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth. Stir gently until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each interval.

Avoid reheating the pasta repeatedly, as this can make the chicken dry and the sauce overly thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I cook the pasta directly in the sauce?

Yes! That’s what makes this a one-pan recipe. The uncooked pasta simmers directly in the chicken broth and cream, absorbing flavor as it cooks.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes. Add shredded or chopped cooked rotisserie chicken toward the end of cooking, just long enough to heat it through. You can skip the chicken-browning step.

3. What makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and creamy sauce gives the dish its signature Marry Me Chicken-inspired flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Avoid boiling it vigorously.

5. What pasta shape works best?

Penne is a reliable choice because it cooks evenly and holds the sauce well. Rotini and rigatoni are also suitable.

6. How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?

Add a small splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth before reheating. Warm gently over low heat and stir until the sauce becomes smooth again.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings together everything that makes creamy chicken pasta appealing: tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a rich garlic cream sauce. Cooking the pasta in the same skillet makes the preparation simpler while allowing it to absorb all those flavors.

Keep this recipe handy for a comforting dinner that feels special without requiring several pans or complicated preparation.