Marry Me Pasta brings the delicious flavors of Marry Me Chicken to a pasta dish that’s fast, rich, and completely crave-worthy!
Author’s Notes
This Flavor? I’m Committed.
I’ve been on a serious Marry Me Chicken kick lately. My family loves it so much I’ve made a few riffs like Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad, Marry Me Tortellini Bake, and now this Marry Me Pasta.
I’m obsessed with the flavors—tangy sun-dried tomatoes, juicy chicken, and the creamy sauce? It’s unreal. This pasta tastes like it came straight from a restaurant!
The secret that takes it over the top? A drizzle of pesto. Try it; you’ll be obsessed!
Marry Me Pasta Ingredient Spotlight
| Star Ingredient | Quick Tip |
|---|---|
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Use tomatoes packed in oil with herbs for more flavor with no extra effort! |
| Heavy Cream | This is what gives the dish that rich, restaurant-style flavor! You can swap in half cream and half whole milk, but the sauce won’t thicken as well or taste as rich. |
| Fresh-Grated Parmesan | Grate from a block on the small holes for the smoothest melt. |
| Pesto (optional) | Stir in right at the end for a fresh, herby pop of flavor. Rana’s® Basil Pesto is my favorite if I’m not making homemade pesto. |
Don’t Skip This Pasta Trick!
The secret to a rich, silky sauce? Emulsifying. Which means mixing the cream sauce, hot pasta, and a splash of reserved pasta water.
Cloudy pasta water is loaded with starch and salt. Stirring it into the warm sauce helps everything blend into one smooth, flavorful coating.
Quick Tip
Forget to save pasta water? I do too! Try this: Place a mug or heat-safe measuring cup in the colander. When you drain the pasta, you’ll see it and remember to save some water first!
Marry Me Pasta Tips
- Salt the water: This is your only chance to season the pasta and boost flavor.
- Need more sauce? Add a splash of pasta water or cream if it looks dry.
- Chop the spinach: Smaller pieces mix in better and are easier to eat.
- Rest the chicken: Let it sit under foil before slicing so it stays juicy.
- Watch the heat: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer—boiling can make it split.
Storage
Marry Me Pasta is best fresh, right off the stovetop, when the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up sauce over time, so add a splash of cream when reheating.
Freezing not recommended as the texture can turn grainy or separate.
My Most Popular Pasta Dishes:
Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet heavy-bottomed
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta or Casarecce pasta
- 2 medium-sized chicken breasts (1 pound)
- Salt and pepper
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic 3 cloves
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving, see note 1
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil coarsely chopped
- 4 packed cups baby spinach see note 2
- 1/4 cup fresh basil pesto optional; see note 3
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley or basil, for serving
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half widthwise to make 4 thinner pieces. Lightly pound to even thickness (no need to flatten). Season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning (about ¼ tsp of each per side).
- Set a measuring cup inside the colander as a reminder to save pasta water. Bring 12 cups of water to a boil, stir in 1 tablespoon salt, and add the pasta. Cook 1 minute less than the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain (don’t rinse).
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until cooked through (160°F and juices run clear). As you flip the chicken, drizzle in about 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for added flavor. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until golden and fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. When it’s mostly evaporated, add the remaining 1/2 cup and stir.
- Stir in cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer (don’t boil) for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. While the sauce thickens, dice or shred the chicken.
- Add spinach, cooked chicken (plus any juices), and pasta to the sauce. Toss with tongs for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the pasta. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Add pesto (if using) and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. I like to bring the pesto to the table so everyone can drizzle on more to taste. This pasta is best enjoyed right after tossing.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What to Serve With Marry Me Pasta:
- Focaccia or French bread: Perfect for wiping the plate clean.
- Caesar salad: My favorite salad for the side of any creamy Italian-inspired pasta!
- Roasted green beans: A great side dish that adds some nice color to the plate.
- Fruit salad or sliced watermelon: Light and refreshing on the side.
Marry Me Pasta FAQs
Yes! Rotini works great, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle are also good options. Just choose a shape that holds sauce well.
Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay juicy and add even more flavor. Just be sure they’re fully cooked before slicing.
No worries! Use a splash of warm water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
You can prep the components ahead (like cooking the chicken or making the sauce), but for best results, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving.
Can this be made ahead and frozen? I’d like to add it to my Christmas Eve buffet but I do a lot of precook/freeze or I couldn’t get it done
Sorry Carol this recipe wouldn’t do well being frozen and thawed
Am I missing the link to pinterest in the recipes? I follow you on pinterest but I had to do a search for this on pinterest to be able to save it. The recipe was posted on FB and many times that is where I decide to save a recipe. Thanks! Making this soon, btw
There is a link at the top of the page! Just a P! Can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe! 🙂
I made this last night and it was wonderful! Even though I didn’t have pesto on hand, the sauce still had so much flavor and was a nice change of pace from the fettuccini alfredo I normally make. I don’t usually use sun dried tomatoes but I enjoyed them in this dish.
I am so happy you loved this Chicken Pasta! The sun-dried tomatoes are definitely my favorite part of the dish! 🙂