This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is everything you’ve been dreaming of: rich, creamy, and totally delicious. It’s the kind of dish that will have you hooked after the first bite. The chicken is juicy and tender, perfectly complemented by a rich, garlicky cream sauce, and everything is cooked in one pot—talk about convenience! It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to win over your family (or anyone you’re cooking for). This recipe is a must-try, and you’ll definitely want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes. The whole meal comes together in one pan, saving you time and effort.
Rich and Flavorful: The creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken are a match made in heaven. Every bite is a burst of savory goodness.
Quick and Easy: You can have this dish on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to compromise on taste.
Comfort Food at Its Best: This pasta is pure comfort food. The creamy, garlicky sauce will have you feeling cozy and satisfied every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients that make this One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta absolutely irresistible:

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay juicy in the creamy sauce.
Pasta: Any pasta works, but penne or rotini hold the sauce beautifully. The pasta will soak up all that creamy goodness.
Heavy Cream: The base of the rich and luscious sauce. It adds a luxurious creaminess that brings everything together.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key to bringing depth and flavor to the sauce. Don’t skip this—it really enhances the dish!
Chicken Broth: This helps create the sauce and provides that savory flavor that complements the chicken so well.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a sharp, salty richness to the dish, and it helps thicken the sauce.
Tomatoes: Cherry or sun-dried tomatoes provide bursts of sweetness and acidity, balancing out the creaminess of the sauce.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a pop of color and nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme that perfectly complements the chicken and pasta.

Variations

This dish is super flexible, and there are plenty of ways to change it up to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat, or throw in some sliced jalapeños for extra kick.
Swap the Protein: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier flavor. Or, if you prefer, try it with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Go Veggie: If you want to make it meatless, skip the chicken and add more veggies—like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Cheese Variations: Switch out the parmesan for mozzarella for a meltier, stretchier texture, or try goat cheese for a tangy twist.

How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook them until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and some more Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where all that creamy magic starts to happen.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

While the pasta is cooking, chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. When the pasta is ready, add the chicken back into the pot, along with the spinach and tomatoes. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the chicken heats through.

Step 6: Serve

Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Watch the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is done, just add a little extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Sear the Chicken First: Searing the chicken adds tons of flavor, so don’t rush this step. Get that golden crust for extra taste!
Cheese at the End: Adding the parmesan at the end helps it melt into the sauce without getting stringy. It makes the sauce perfectly smooth.

How to Serve

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is so delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate the meal, here are a few serving ideas:

Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for a carb lover’s dream combo.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Chardonnay, would complement the creaminess of the pasta beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently on the stove, adding a little broth or cream to restore the sauce’s smooth texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape works—penne, rotini, or farfalle are all great options. Just keep in mind that different shapes may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more parmesan cheese or simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. It tastes even better the next day!

4. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative, but keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and savory flavors—all cooked up in one pot for minimal cleanup. It’s a simple, weeknight-friendly recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it tonight and fall in love with this cozy, comforting meal!

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe