If you’re searching for a dinner that feels like a warm hug and tastes like a celebration, the One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your answer. This dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy pasta, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs cooked all in one pot to save you time without sacrificing any flavor. Every bite is a comforting combo of rich, cheesy goodness paired with bright, fresh elements that’ll have you swooning. I’m so excited to share this recipe, which is as delightful to make as it is to eat, and perfect for both cozy weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows small pieces of raw light pink chicken layered on the bottom of a dark pan with a shiny oily surface. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with bright red, green, and brown spices, evenly covering the top and sides, creating a textured look with specks and flakes of herbs. The focus is on the center where the seasoning is heaviest, while the edges fade softly into the dark pan's surface. Light reflects on the oil, showing small bubbles and shimmer, giving a fresh and raw impression. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, making sure every mouthful is a perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and fresh.

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy, intense sweetness and infuses the cooking oil with flavor for the chicken.
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the spices perfectly.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that bring a classic Italian charm to the dish.
Salted butter: Adds richness and helps build a flavorful base for the pasta sauce.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the whole dish with its aromatic pungency.
Short cut pasta: Cooks evenly and holds the sauce beautifully for that comforting creaminess.
Whole milk: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bit of pasta and chicken.
Cream cheese: Boosts the creaminess and adds a slight tang to keep flavors interesting.
Baby spinach: Brings a fresh pop of color and nutritional goodness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty depth and sharp finish.
Fresh chopped basil: A final fragrant flourish that brightens up the entire dish.

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes in a large pot over medium-high heat. This oil is packed with flavor and will create a beautiful base for the chicken. Season your cubed chicken with salt, black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, then cook it in the oil for about 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, scoop the chicken out and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Next, melt the butter in the same pot, then add your chopped garlic and the remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Let this mixture cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently so nothing burns. This step is key because it wakes up the flavors that will marry perfectly with the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the short cut pasta along with 2 cups of water to the pot. Be sure to stir often to keep the pasta from sticking. Cook it until it reaches just the right al dente texture—usually about 8 minutes. This one-pot method means your pasta soaks up all those savory flavors in the cooking liquid, which makes it incredibly flavorful.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the whole milk, cream cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan. Continue mixing gently until everything melts together into a luxuriously creamy sauce. This part is magic because the cream cheese adds a subtle tang and velvety texture that you won’t want to miss.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slide the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the baby spinach, the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the rest of the Parmesan. Gently mix everything to combine and allow the spinach to wilt slightly. Once the flavors are all married, remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. This herb adds freshness that balances the richness beautifully.

How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a large cooking pot filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is short and square with ruffled edges, coated in a light beige cream sauce. Mixed in are medium-sized browned chunks of cooked chicken and some fresh bright green spinach leaves scattered throughout. A metal spoon is partially submerged in the pot, slightly lifting some of the pasta and sauce. The pot is white with a yellow handle and sits on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm, rich, and inviting, with a creamy texture and fresh colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serve this pasta with an extra sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few cracked black pepper twists add that finishing touch that makes this dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. For bread lovers, a crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, serve this pasta in colorful bowls with a side of grilled lemon wedges to squeeze over the top. You can also plate individual portions on flat dishes and garnish each with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning dinner party presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy sauce, it’s best to store it without any extra fresh basil so it doesn’t wilt prematurely.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely, then pack it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your pasta slowly on low heat while stirring frequently, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This will bring back that creamy texture and keep the chicken tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While short cut pasta like penne or rigatoni works best because it holds the sauce well, you can experiment with fusilli or farfalle too. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives such as coconut milk, vegan cream cheese, and a plant-based Parmesan substitute. The dish will still be creamy and delicious with those tweaks.

Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and add extra flavor. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces to cook through evenly during the sauté step.

How spicy is the One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

This recipe is not spicy, but it’s bursting with savory and herbaceous flavors. If you love a little heat, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic and butter step works wonders.

Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?

Sure! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers make wonderful additions. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the pasta so they soften and release their flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe enough if you want to impress without the stress. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with so many wonderful textures that each bite feels like a little love story on your plate. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your new favorite go-to meal!