Meet the Pasta Dish That Might Just Win Hearts (and Empty Plates)

Name: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – The Viral Recipe Everyone’s Falling For
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta; Salted water (for boiling); 2 chicken breasts (about 300g), thinly sliced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 100g sundried tomatoes (in oil), chopped; 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional); 200ml double cream; 100ml chicken stock; 50g grated parmesan; Salt & pepper, to taste; 100ml reserved pasta water (as needed); Fresh basil, to garnish; Extra parmesan, for serving

Every now and then, a recipe pops up that instantly takes over TikTok, Instagram, and every cozy kitchen in between. Say hello to Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a creamy, garlicky, sundried tomato-loaded dream of a dish that’s just as romantic as it sounds. It’s rich, flavorful, and just happens to have a name that stirs curiosity and appetite.

The story goes that this dish is so good, it could make someone propose after the first bite. While we can’t promise diamonds, we can promise that everyone at the table will ask for seconds (or thirds). And the best part? It’s super easy to make.

This recipe skips the wine and keeps things simple, so it’s totally family-friendly and weeknight-appropriate. It comes together in under 30 minutes with pantry staples and a few fridge favorites. Cream, garlic, parmesan, tender seared chicken—what’s not to love?

Let me walk you through this heart-stealing pasta dish that’s rich enough for date night, but easy enough for Tuesday night.

🍝 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring the Marry Me Chicken magic to your kitchen:

2 chicken breasts (about 300g), thinly sliced
300g penne pasta

3 garlic cloves, minced
100g sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp chilli flakes (optional, but gives it a nice little kick)
200ml double cream
100ml chicken stock

50g grated parmesan
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Fresh basil, for garnish

🍳 Step-by-Step: Let’s Cook This Creamy, Dreamy Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s ready, reserve about 100ml of pasta water before draining—it’ll help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, flipping once, until golden on the outside and cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate while you make the sauce.

Ready to stir up some romance? Let’s build that luscious creamy sauce in Part 2.

Building the Sauce That’s Worth Falling For

Okay, pasta is cooked, chicken’s golden—now it’s time for the part that ties it all together: that ridiculously creamy, dreamy, flavor-packed sauce. This is where things go from weekday dinner to TikTok famous. And if your kitchen starts smelling like an Italian restaurant? You’re doing it right.

Step 3: Sauté the Flavor Base

In the same skillet you used for the chicken (yes, keep all those yummy browned bits!), add your minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes (if using).

Sauté everything together for about a minute—just enough to wake up the garlic and let the sundried tomatoes infuse the oil with their deep, tangy flavor. I swear, this step alone will have people wandering into your kitchen asking, “What are you making?!”

Step 4: Simmer the Creamy Sauce

Now pour in the double cream and chicken stock, and sprinkle in your grated parmesan. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken slightly—about 3 minutes.

The sauce should be velvety, rich, and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it feels a little too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This step makes a huge difference—it loosens the sauce just enough without watering it down, and the starch from the pasta helps everything cling together like magic.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return your seared chicken to the pan and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently so that the pasta is coated and the chicken is swimming in that golden, garlicky goodness.

Taste it and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Trust me, you’ll want to dip a spoon in and “sample” it before it even hits the plate. It’s that good.

🍽️ Finishing Touches

Top it all off with a handful of fresh basil, torn or whole—whichever you like. Add a final dusting of extra parmesan if your heart says yes (mine always does).

This dish is rich, creamy, and a little indulgent in the best way. It’s the kind of dinner that feels special, even if you’re just eating it in your favorite hoodie with your feet on the coffee table.

And if someone happens to propose after dinner? Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

FAQ + Final Thoughts

❓FAQ – All About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
Legend (aka TikTok) says this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love?

2. Can I make it without cream?
Yes! You can use a splash of full-fat milk with a little flour to thicken, or a dairy-free alternative like oat cream. Just expect a slightly lighter texture.

3. What pasta works best besides penne?
Short pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are great—they hold the sauce beautifully. Even tagliatelle works if you’re feeling fancy.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just slice them thin so they cook evenly.

5. Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. The chilli flakes are optional and just add a gentle warmth. You can leave them out if you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.

6. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, and I often do! A handful of spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even peas work great. Add them in with the pasta so they heat through without overcooking.

7. How long will leftovers last?
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.

💬 Final Thoughts: Say “I Do” to Dinner

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a cozy family dinner, or just want something ridiculously satisfying on a random Tuesday, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is here for you. It’s creamy, comforting, just a little indulgent, and honestly—impressively easy to pull off.

And while we can’t guarantee it’ll lead to a proposal, we can guarantee clean plates and a whole lot of “Wow, this is SO good” at the dinner table.

Try it once, and I promise—it’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation. And if someone does pop the question after dinner? Be sure to come back and tell us.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to save a bite for yourself!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – The Viral Recipe Everyone’s Falling For

Author: Mouad Boulkhiout
Total Time: 25 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, sundried tomato and garlic-loaded dish that’s taken the internet by storm—and for good reason. Tender seared chicken meets a rich parmesan cream sauce tossed with penne pasta and topped with fresh basil. This family-friendly, wine-free version comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients. Ideal for date nights, weeknight dinners, or when you need something a little extra special without the stress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

300g penne pasta
Salted water (for boiling)

For the Chicken & Sauce:

2 chicken breasts (about 300g), thinly sliced

1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
100g sundried tomatoes (in oil), chopped

1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
200ml double cream

100ml chicken stock
50g grated parmesan
Salt & pepper, to taste

To Finish:

100ml reserved pasta water (as needed)
Fresh basil, to garnish
Extra parmesan, for serving

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 100ml of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook sliced chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Flavors: In the same skillet, add garlic, sundried tomatoes, thyme, and chilli flakes. Sauté for 1 minute.

Make Sauce: Pour in cream and chicken stock. Stir in parmesan. Simmer for 3 minutes until thickened slightly.
Combine: Return chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss everything in the sauce, using reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan.

Notes

Dairy-Free Option: Use oat cream and a vegan cheese alternative.
Meat-Free? Try mushrooms or tofu in place of chicken.
Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.