Why One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Became My Weeknight Hero
From Grandma’s Pan to My Weeknight Plan
Hi, I’m Emma – the heart behind Sear Recipes. As a child, I spent endless afternoons by my grandmother’s side in the kitchen, watching her turn the simplest ingredients into something magical. One of her go-to dishes was a creamy chicken pasta that filled the house with the coziest smell. While hers was a Sunday dinner classic, my version is a weeknight miracle: One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s got all the love and comfort of Grandma’s cooking—but tailored for modern, busy life.
What sets this recipe apart is how the chicken sears golden, then simmers in a silky sauce built from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan. Add pasta straight to the pot, and dinner’s ready before anyone asks, “What’s for dinner?” The focus keyword one pot marry me chicken pasta isn’t just SEO—it’s the core of what makes this dish irresistible.
You’ll also find recipes like Marry Me Chicken Pasta and Hoagie Roll Recipe featured on the site, which make great pairings or variations if you want to stretch dinner further.
Why One Pot Matters in Busy Kitchens
Let’s face it: sink loads of dishes can kill the vibe. With everything cooked together, you cut cleanup time and lock in flavor. No need to juggle pots or drain pasta separately—just stir, simmer, and serve. This one pot marry me chicken pasta brings all the comfort without the clutter, and that’s what makes it a repeat favorite in my kitchen.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Flavor-Packed Simplicity
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is the Secret
The moment that creamy sauce hits the pan, you know something magical is happening. In this one pot marry me chicken pasta, it’s the sun-dried tomatoes that make all the difference. Their deep, slightly sweet flavor blends with garlic, heavy cream, and chicken broth to create a sauce that coats every bite of pasta in silky, savory richness. A handful of grated Parmesan gives it a salty edge that balances the sweetness—and suddenly you’re not just eating dinner, you’re savoring it.
This is the kind of pasta that doesn’t need a sidekick. But if you’re feeling extra, serve it with a slice of buttery bread or even use our Hoagie Roll Recipe to mop up the sauce. Or turn up the elegance by finishing it with fresh basil or crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Chicken, Garlic, and a Pinch of Romance
What makes this recipe truly romantic? It’s in the name—marry me. The phrase started as a joke among food lovers, suggesting that the dish is so good, it might just get you a proposal. But let’s be honest: even if no one’s proposing, this one pot marry me chicken pasta still makes any night feel special. The seared chicken adds golden flavor, and garlic brings that unmistakable aroma we all crave.
And yes—it really is all in one pot. The chicken, garlic, cream, and pasta all cook together, meaning flavor isn’t just layered—it’s infused. As it simmers, the pasta absorbs every drop of the creamy, tomato-packed sauce. If you’ve tried our Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe, you know we love bold, layered flavor here at Sear Recipes—and this pasta is no exception.
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Creamy and Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 boneless chicken breasts cubed Salt and pepper, to taste 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup heavy cream 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden. Remove and set aside. 2. In the same pot, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook 1 minute. 3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. 4. Add uncooked pasta and bring to a simmer. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently. 5. Return chicken to the pot, add Parmesan, and stir until melted and creamy. 6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
One Pot Wonders
Tips to Keep Pasta Al Dente While Cooking Together
The beauty of this one pot marry me chicken pasta is how effortlessly everything comes together. But if there’s one thing that can make or break your dish, it’s texture. Overcooked pasta can turn your beautiful creamy sauce into a soggy mess. The trick? Don’t walk away. Stir often, taste early, and keep an eye on the timing. Most short pasta shapes—like penne or rigatoni—cook perfectly in about 10 minutes when simmered in the sauce.
Adding the pasta uncooked right into the sauce might feel odd at first, but it’s the best way to keep everything flavorful. The pasta absorbs all those rich flavors from the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream. Just like we do in our Marry Me Chicken Pasta, seasoning each layer is key. Don’t skip the salt, and always reserve a splash of broth in case the sauce thickens too much while it simmers.
Why Searing Chicken First Changes the Game
Before you even think about adding pasta, get that chicken golden. Searing locks in the juices and builds the base flavor of the sauce. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Just season well and let the pieces develop a nice golden color in the pan. That little crust they leave behind? Pure flavor gold.
Once seared, remove the chicken and sauté the garlic in the same pot. This way, the garlic picks up every bit of that meaty, flavorful fond. It’s one of those simple moves that makes your dish taste like it took hours—just like the secret in our Pecan Pie Lasagna, where layers of technique add up to a wow-worthy result. And yet, in this case, the whole meal still cooks in one pot.
Storage, Serving
Make It, Store It, Love It Again
Leftovers of this one pot marry me chicken pasta are pure gold. Once fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, warm slowly on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.
Can you freeze marry me chicken pasta? Yes, you can. While cream-based sauces may separate slightly once thawed, a good stir and gentle heat usually revives the dish. Divide into portion-sized containers, freeze for up to one month, and label clearly. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat low and slow.
Is marry me chicken better with rice or pasta?
Let’s settle the debate. While the sauce is delicious over both, pasta wins hands down for simplicity. It cooks alongside the chicken in one pot, absorbs the sauce perfectly, and saves on cleanup. Rice needs different water ratios and timing. If you want a twist, try the sauce over jasmine rice, but for a true one pot marry me chicken pasta experience, noodles are king.
To serve it right, garnish with fresh basil, black pepper, or even red pepper flakes. Add a slice of warm Hoagie Roll to scoop up the leftover sauce. This dish is all about comfort—and simplicity.
For more recipes follow me in Facebook
Your Top Questions Answered: One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Can you have marry me chicken with pasta?
Absolutely. Pasta is what makes this creamy dish so iconic. It absorbs the garlic-Parmesan-tomato flavors and turns a basic weeknight into something special. It’s how the name “marry me” went viral.
Can I cook chicken and pasta in the same pot?
Yes, and that’s the whole point. This one pot marry me chicken pasta cooks everything—chicken, garlic, pasta, and sauce—in a single pot. You save time, clean fewer dishes, and keep all the flavor concentrated.
Conclusion
Sometimes, dinner needs to be fast. Other times, it needs to feel like a warm hug. This one pot marry me chicken pasta does both. It brings bold flavor, creamy texture, and just enough richness to turn an average weeknight into something a little special. The fact that it all comes together in a single pot? That’s just smart cooking.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family or cooking for one with leftovers to love later, this is the kind of recipe that earns its spot on your regular rotation. And hey, if someone does propose after tasting it—don’t say we didn’t warn you.
