There's something magical about a meal that can make everyone stop and savor every bite, and One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just that dish. Creamy, dreamy, and loaded with rich, bold flavors, this pasta is the ultimate comfort food.

The first time I made this recipe, my husband jokingly said, "If I hadn’t already married you, I’d propose right now!" And honestly, who could resist? With tender chicken, a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot, it's hard not to fall head over heels.

Ready to make a dish that wins hearts every time? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Prepare to fall head over heels for this irresistible dish. It's the kind of recipe that checks every box, whether you're cooking for a special someone or a hungry family.

Quick and Easy: With just one pot and 30 minutes, this recipe delivers gourmet results with minimal cleanup. Perfect for weeknights!
Flavor-Packed: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning create a mouthwatering base, while cream and Parmesan tie everything together.
Versatile: This recipe works with any pasta shape and can be adjusted to suit different protein options or dietary preferences.
A Showstopper: It's elegant enough for date night but comforting enough to become a weekly staple.

Trust me—this dish will have everyone at the table saying, "I need the recipe!"

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one adds to the rich, comforting flavor that makes this pasta so memorable.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a sweet, tangy flavor that elevates the dish. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce wonderfully, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for a creamy, flavorful sauce. Skip the pre-shredded varieties for the best results.
Heavy Cream: This creates the velvety sauce we all love. Half-and-half can work in a pinch, but it won't be as indulgent.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce while cooking the pasta to perfection in the same pot.

You’ll also need a large skillet or Dutch oven to make this a true one-pot wonder.

How To Make This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creating this irresistible pasta dish is easier than you'd think. With just a few steps, you'll have a meal that feels like it took hours to prepare.

Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick). Sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Build the Flavor Base: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning for an herby aroma that fills your kitchen.
Add the Liquid: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the sauce starts to come together.
Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta directly into the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring it to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken to the pot and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, coating everything in creamy goodness.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and serve hot. Prepare for compliments galore!

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying later.

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Cool the pasta completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, ground turkey, or even tofu for a twist on the classic.
Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cream with coconut milk and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.
Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Change the Pasta: Gluten-free pasta or whole wheat varieties work just as well.

Feel free to experiment—the possibilities are endless!