There’s something about pouring cream into a pan that makes the chaos of the day disappear. One whiff of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta and I promiseyour family will ask for it on repeat. It’s popping up everywhere right now, and for good reason.
This is your permission to turn leftover rotisserie chicken into a sauce-swirled dream. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamsimple stuff that hits like a hug. Feels gourmet but it’s totally in the quick chicken recipes club. Full details in the blog!
We made this during a “what-is-even-in-the-fridge” night, and it slapped. It’s been tested, tweaked, devoured. A love letter to fast dinners and flavor-packed chopped chicken recipes. I added one tiny twist. You’ll taste it and smile.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This dish is like a warm hug on a platecozy, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. Here’s why it’s about to win your heart:
Lightning Fast: Thirty minutes from start to finish means it’s perfect for busy nights.
Effortless Elegance: Mixes familiar flavors (hello, creamy garlic sauce!) with a touch of gourmet thanks to sun-dried tomatoes.
Leftover Savior: Great for using up leftover or rotisserie chickenthat fridge chicken finally shines.
Customizable: Play around with pasta shapes or spice levels to suit your vibe.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what makes this dish work. Plus, I’ve got a few ideas if you need swaps:
Ingredient
Purpose
Possible Swaps
8 oz uncooked pasta
The basesoaks up all that creamy sauce!
Any pasta shape you love. Rigatoni or penne work well.
2 cups shredded chicken
Proteinuse leftover or rotisserie for ease.
Chopped chicken breast, canned chicken, or leftover cooked chicken.
Heavy cream
Creates the rich, smooth sauce.
Stick to heavy cream for best resultslower fat options may curdle.
Sun-dried tomatoes
A sweet-tangy flavor boost.
Omit or swap for a splash of tomato sauce.
Parmesan cheese
Salty, nutty goodness to finish the sauce.
Pecorino Romano works in a pinch.
Pro Tip: Always keep a small stash of sun-dried tomatoes and shredded chickenthey’re lifesavers for quick chicken recipes like this one!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to pull this creamy dream together:
Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook your pasta al dente. Save a cup of that starchy pasta waterit’s sauce magic!
Start the sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, sprinkle in flour, and cook for a quick minute while whisking.
Aromatics and flavor: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and wine (or chicken broth) until bubbly and fragrant.
Get creamy: Whisk in the heavy cream, then toss in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, chili flakes, and chicken. Let it thicken slightly.
Finish and toss: Stir in Parmesan and basil, then mix in the pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to perfect the consistency. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
Shortcut Tip: Use cooked rotisserie chicken to skip any extra prepyour weeknight self will thank you!
Step
Timing
Notes
Cook pasta
10 minutes
Reserve pasta water for the sauce.
Make sauce base
5 minutes
Whisk constantly for smoothness.
Simmer and thicken sauce
5 minutes
Add chicken and blend flavors.
Toss pasta in sauce
2 minutes
Thin with pasta water if needed.
Serving and Storage Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you somehow have leftovers (rare, I know!), here’s what to do:
Serving: Dish up straight from the skillet, topping with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a classy touch.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Freezing: Not recommendedcream-based sauces can split when frozen.
Storage Method
How Long
Reheating Tip
Fridge
Up to 3 days
Reheat in a skillet with cream or broth to loosen.
Freezer
Not Ideal
May curdle upon thawing due to cream base.
Leftover Magic: This dish shines as-is, but it’s also perfect for your “what to make with leftover rotisserie chicken” moments!
Troubleshooting Tips
Don’t worry if you hit a snagI’ve got solutions:
Sauce too thick? Add pasta water, a splash of cream, or chicken broth to thin it out.
Sauce too thin? Let it simmer a few extra minutes, or add a pinch of flour and whisk well.
Forgot the pasta water? Use warm tap waterit’s not quite the same but works in a pinch.
Too spicy? Cut back the red pepper flakes next time, or add an extra splash of cream to mellow the heat.
Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on the Parmesanit’s the secret to that addictive savory finish.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Marry Me Chicken Pasta
The creamy, flavorful sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta in Marry Me Chicken Pasta creates a perfectly balanced dish. This recipe highlights how layering simple, quality ingredients can deliver rich textures and comforting warmth, making it a favorite for an easy yet impressive meal.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
How I Perfected My Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta didn’t come together on the first trymore like several evenings of tweaking the sauce and balancing spices. One batch burned because I rushed dinner, another was too saucy. After all that trial and error, I finally nailed the creamy, flavorful dish our family loves.
FAQs ( Marry Me Chicken Pasta )
Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?
This dish gets its romantic name because it’s supposedly so delicious that anyone who tastes it will want to marry the person who made it! The creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs creates such an irresistible combination that it’s become legendary for impressing dates and family members alike. It’s one of those quick chicken recipes that delivers restaurant-quality results at home, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to show someone you care.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this recipe even quicker to prepare. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the creamy sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through. This variation turns Marry Me Chicken Pasta into one of the easiest leftover chicken ideas, cutting your cooking time in half while still delivering all that amazing flavor.
What type of pasta works best with Marry Me Chicken?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work beautifully with this creamy sauce because their shapes hold onto the rich, herb-infused cream sauce perfectly. The tubes and ridges in penne and rigatoni capture every bit of that sun-dried tomato goodness, while fettuccine provides a classic, elegant presentation. Choose a pasta shape with some texture or width so the creamy sauce doesn’t slide right off, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.
How long does Marry Me Chicken Pasta take to make?
This recipe typically takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it one of the best chicken breast dinner ideas for busy weeknights. The chicken takes about 6-8 minutes per side to cook through, while the pasta boils simultaneously to save time. Once you add the cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings, everything comes together in just a few minutes for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly quick to prepare.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time, though it’s best served fresh for optimal texture. Store the cooked pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making this an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining when you want to get ahead of the game.
Wrapping Up Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Adventure
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your new go-to for a quick, creamy, dreamy dinner that turns leftover chicken into a cozy family hit in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how those sun-dried tomatoes and silky sauce take center stage with minimal fussperfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave comfort with a twist.
Swap in rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or shredded chicken breast to keep things easy. Feeling fancy? Stir in fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to brighten it all up. Pro tip from a chef friend: reserve pasta waterit’s pure magic for silky sauces and helps stretch those good kitchen ingredients.
Try this recipe, snap a pic, and share your tweaks belowI’m curious, what quick chicken recipes became your family’s favorite? Pass this along to your crew, and let the love (and noodles) keep flowing. Trust me, you’ll wanna make it again (and again).
Fall in love with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a quick and irresistible delight perfect for Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas and Leftover Chicken Ideas. This recipe pairs rotisserie chicken with a flavorful garlic tomato cream sauce, making it one of the best Quick Chicken Recipes to try tonight.
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces uncooked pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 tablespoon flour
3–4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken shredded
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + more for serving
1 small handful fresh basil torn/chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Once it melts, sprinkle the flour in and cook for about a minute, stirring often.
Add in the garlic, tomato paste, and wine. Give it a good stir and let it bubble for about one minute.
Whisk in the cream, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chicken, and cook it for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Stir in the parmesan and basil and take the skillet off the heat. Season generously with salt & pepper.
Prior to draining the pasta, reserve some of the hot pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. If needed, pour in a splash of the hot pasta water to the sauce to thin it out a bit. Serve immediately with more parmesan if desired.
Notes
I don’t recommend subbing the heavy cream for anything with a lower fat content (e
g
half-and-half or milk) because the tomato in the sauce is likely to curdle it, and you’ll have to add more flour to thicken the sauce
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
