One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Irresistible One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Everyone Adores

Dreams of a quick, spectacular dinner come alive with this one-pot marry me chicken pasta that could charm even the most skeptical dinner companion.

Kitchen magic happens when tender chicken meets creamy sauce in a single skillet.

Smooth parmesan and fragrant herbs weave through each delectable bite.

Italian-inspired comfort unfolds without complicated techniques or multiple pans to wash.

Crisp sun-dried tomatoes add unexpected brightness to the rich, velvety mixture.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious or effortless.

You will want seconds before finishing your first serving, guaranteed.

How to Store and Reheat One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 35 days for optimal freshness and safety.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking and heat until warmed through, about 45 minutes.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches desired temperature.
  • Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

What to Serve with One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Tonight

  • Pair with a chardonnay or pinot grigio to cut through the richness and complement the creamy sauce's smooth texture.
  • Toss a light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness and add refreshing brightness.
  • Slice a warm, toasted baguette to soak up extra sauce and provide delightful crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
  • Prepare simple roasted asparagus or broccoli with olive oil and herbs to introduce a healthy, slightly charred element that enhances the dish's overall flavor profile.

Fresh Takes on One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipes

  • Vegan Creamy Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a dairy-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or chickpea pasta. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch to thicken sauce if needed.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder and cumin. Include black beans and corn for extra protein and southwestern flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce cooking time and adjust liquid quantity to prevent soggy texture.

Questions and Answers on One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure cooking times remain similar for best results.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a non-spicy version. Adjust to your personal spice tolerance.

  • Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re cut into even pieces and cooked until no longer pink in the center.

  • How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

The pasta should be tender but still have a slight firmness when you bite into it. Test by tasting a piece around the 12-minute mark during cooking.

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Fans Can’t Get Enough Of

  • Simplifies cooking by preparing everything in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and saving precious time in the kitchen.
  • Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a delicious dinner without complicated preparation or long cooking times.
  • Combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese into a mouthwatering dish that appeals to both adults and kids.
  • Easily adaptable for different preferences by adjusting spice levels or swapping ingredients, making it a reliable go-to recipe for multiple occasions like family dinners, date nights, or potluck gatherings.

Gather These for One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Proteins:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that creates a hearty main dish, boneless and skinless works best for quick cooking.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the creamy sauce, freshly grated recommended.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic base flavor, fresh cloves offer the most robust taste.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices that enhance chicken's natural taste, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish, adjust amount based on spice preference.
Liquid and Creamy Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce base, low-sodium broth helps control overall saltiness.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contributes intense, concentrated tomato flavor with a slightly chewy texture.
  • Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing, provides a smooth cooking base with a light Mediterranean flavor.
Herbs:
  • Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs for garnish that add brightness and visual appeal, either works well for finishing the dish.

Making One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Start to Finish

Step 1: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken and sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

In the same pot, toss in:
  • Minced garlic
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Red pepper flakes

Sauté until aromatic and fragrant.

Step 3: Create Creamy Liquid

Pour into the pot:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Stir ingredients and bring to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Add uncooked pasta to the liquid. Lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cook while stirring occasionally until:
  • Pasta reaches al dente texture
  • Sauce thickens nicely

Step 5: Finish and Combine

Sprinkle in parmesan cheese. Return cooked chicken to the pot. Stir thoroughly to coat everything with creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat. Top with freshly chopped:
  • Basil
  • Parsley

Serve piping hot and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal.

Kitchen Pointers for One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Success

  • Perfectly Brown Chicken: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without steaming the meat.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance, adding more or less to suit personal preference.
  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during cooking and ensure enough liquid covers the pasta to help it cook evenly and prevent clumping.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Add parmesan off the heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
  • Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a versatile dish that suits different dietary needs and preferences.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy, irresistible one-pot marry me chicken pasta promises a romantic dinner that seduces taste buds with its luxurious blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. Comfort meets passion in this simple yet elegant meal that guarantees culinary love at first bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta (or any short pasta)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese

Garnish:

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken in a heated large skillet with olive oil, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.
  2. In the identical pot, sauté minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes until the aromatics release their intense fragrance.
  3. Create the sauce foundation by introducing chicken broth and rich heavy cream, whisking to integrate the liquids and generating a smooth, luxurious mixture.
  4. Carefully nestle the uncooked pasta into the simmering liquid, allowing it to cook gradually while absorbing the creamy sauce. Gently stir intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  5. As the pasta approaches perfect tenderness, fold in grated parmesan cheese, which will further enrich and thicken the sauce’s consistency.
  6. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked chicken pieces into the creamy pasta, gently coating each morsel with the velvety sauce.
  7. Complete the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley across the surface, providing a vibrant herbal contrast to the rich, creamy preparation.
  8. Serve immediately while the pasta remains piping hot and the sauce maintains its luxurious, silky texture.

Notes

  • Customize chicken thickness by pounding breasts to even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent, quick cooking.
  • Select low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent over-seasoning the dish.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or gluten-free pasta varieties.
  • Boost protein content by adding extra chicken or incorporating lean Italian sausage for varied texture.
  • Create vegetarian version by replacing chicken with roasted mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives.
  • Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by monitoring liquid absorption and stirring occasionally during cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star