Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay more tender throughout the cooking process. They typically require about the same cooking time but are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. The richness of thigh meat actually complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well. Avoid milk or low-fat dairy products as they're prone to curdling when simmered for extended periods.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?

This dish is best prepared shortly before serving, but you can prep components ahead of time. Brown the chicken and refrigerate it, and measure out all ingredients. When ready to serve, simply pick up at the sauce-building step. The dish holds well on low heat for about 30 minutes if your timing is off.

Why is my sauce too thin/thick?

Sauce consistency can vary based on pasta type, cooking temperature, and even the pan you use. If too thin, remove the lid and simmer for a few extra minutes. If too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so it's better to err on the slightly thin side when cooking.

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce punctuated with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. The name isn’t an exaggeration—this dish is so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! The best part? Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and simplified cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the hassle.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan creates a sauce that’s velvety, tangy, and utterly crave-worthy.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish has universal appeal—kids love the creamy pasta while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavor profile. It’s perfect for family dinners or date nights at home.
Quick Yet Impressive: Despite its elegant taste profile, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks directly in the sauce. Make sure to pound them to even thickness for consistent cooking.
Olive oil and butter: Creates a beautiful base for browning the chicken and adds richness to the sauce. The combination gives you the best of both worlds—flavor and a higher smoke point.
Garlic: Provides that essential aromatic foundation that brings depth to the entire dish. Fresh is always best here!
White wine: Adds acidity and depth while helping to deglaze the pan, incorporating all those flavorful browned bits into your sauce. Chicken broth makes an excellent non-alcoholic substitute.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of your sauce while providing essential liquid for cooking the pasta directly in the pot.
Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety texture that makes this dish so irresistible. This is one ingredient you shouldn’t substitute if you want the authentic experience.
Italian seasoning: A convenient blend that adds herb complexity without having to measure multiple spices.
Red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cream sauce. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Pasta: Medium shapes work best as they cook evenly and capture the perfect amount of sauce in each bite.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds intense, sweet-tart tomato flavor and beautiful color contrast. These little flavor bombs elevate the entire dish.
Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness, umami, and helps thicken the sauce. Fresh-grated melts much better than pre-packaged varieties.
Fresh basil: Adds bright, aromatic freshness that lifts the entire dish. Don’t skip this finishing touch!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetable Additions

Transform this dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra color, nutrition, and flavor.

Protein Swaps

Don’t have chicken? Try using shrimp (add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking), Italian sausage, or even salmon fillets.

Pasta Options

While medium shapes work best, you can experiment with whole wheat pasta for added nutrition or gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just note that cooking times may vary.

Dairy-Free Version

Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.

How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—this ensures proper browning. Pound them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch), then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—careful not to burn it! Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to start melding together.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Chicken Together

Once the sauce is simmering, add the dry pasta directly to the skillet and stir to combine. Place the chicken breasts on top of the pasta, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to maintain a low simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Stir the parmesan cheese and most of the fresh basil into the pasta, allowing the cheese to melt completely. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pan. Garnish with remaining fresh basil before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the chicken creates a flavor foundation for the entire dish. Those caramelized bits that stick to the pan (fond) are culinary gold!
Al Dente is Key: Since the pasta continues to absorb sauce even after cooking, aim for a slight firmness when testing for doneness.
Layer Your Seasonings: Season at multiple stages—the chicken before browning, the sauce before adding pasta, and again at the end—for the most developed flavor.
Pasta Selection Matters: Choose pasta shapes with nooks and crannies that will capture the sauce. Smooth pasta like spaghetti won’t hold the sauce as effectively.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This gives the sauce time to thicken and flavors to settle.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a special dinner, add garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Wine Suggestions

The creamy sauce calls for a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works wonderfully with the sun-dried tomatoes.

Presentation Ideas

Serve family-style directly from the skillet for casual dinners, or plate individually with chicken slices arranged over the pasta and a fresh basil garnish for a more elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If freezing, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay more tender throughout the cooking process. They typically require about the same cooking time but are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. The richness of thigh meat actually complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well. Avoid milk or low-fat dairy products as they’re prone to curdling when simmered for extended periods.
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?

This dish is best prepared shortly before serving, but you can prep components ahead of time. Brown the chicken and refrigerate it, and measure out all ingredients. When ready to serve, simply pick up at the sauce-building step. The dish holds well on low heat for about 30 minutes if your timing is off.
Why is my sauce too thin/thick?

Sauce consistency can vary based on pasta type, cooking temperature, and even the pan you use. If too thin, remove the lid and simmer for a few extra minutes. If too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so it’s better to err on the slightly thin side when cooking.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly extraordinary. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that irresistible creamy sun-dried tomato sauce creates a meal that feels special without requiring advanced culinary skills. Whether you’re cooking for someone you want to impress or simply treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try—your taste buds (and maybe your relationship status) will thank you!