Name: One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

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This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, savory, and rich with flavors that make every bite unforgettable. With tender chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all made in one pot, this recipe is both comforting and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines convenience with elegance. I only need one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal. The flavors are rich yet simple, with the sun-dried tomatoes giving the creamy sauce a tangy depth that makes the dish irresistible. I also enjoy how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner but still fancy enough to impress guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Penne pasta (or any short pasta)
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper
Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
I heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. I remove it and set it aside.
In the same pot, I sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
I add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot and stir, letting it cook in the sauce until tender.
I stir in Parmesan cheese to make the sauce creamy and flavorful.
I slice the cooked chicken, return it to the pot, and let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes.
I finish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in just about 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness. If I want a lighter version, I substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. I also like swapping penne for rigatoni or fusilli, depending on what I have on hand. For a little more heat, I add extra red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. I prefer warming it on the stovetop over low heat, but the microwave works well for quick reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I can use pre-cooked chicken. I just add it in towards the end to warm through without overcooking.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

I like using half-and-half or even evaporated milk as a lighter option, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I usually use penne, but rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well since they hold the sauce nicely.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I can make it ahead and store it in the fridge, though I find it tastes best freshly made because the pasta continues to absorb the sauce as it sits.

How do I make it gluten-free?

I simply use gluten-free pasta, making sure to check cooking times since they may differ slightly.

Conclusion

I love how this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and so easy to make. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and pasta cooked all in one pot, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any night of the week. This recipe is one I keep coming back to whenever I want a satisfying and impressive meal without the fuss.