One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Quick & Creamy Dinner

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dinner game-changer. It takes just 30 minutes and delivers a delicious, creamy, garlicky pasta that tastes like it’s straight out of a restaurant. This is my go-to one pot recipe for busy nights—minimal effort, maximum flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.

I discovered this shortcut method because I love creamy chicken pasta recipes but hate the cleanup from cooking multiple components separately. With this version, everything—yes, even the pasta—cooks in one pot. It’s fast, efficient, and absolutely foolproof. You’re about to fall in love with how simple and satisfying this is.

Why This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is a Game-Changer

• One pot, no mess: You’ll only have one pot to clean—no separate frying pans or pasta strainers.
• 30 minutes, start to finish: Traditional creamy chicken pasta often takes at least an hour. This version gets the job done in half the time.
• Rich, creamy sauce: Cooking the pasta in the same pot as the sauce creates a luxurious texture and an extra flavorful dish.
• Hands-off time: Once everything is simmering, you can walk away to set the table or relax.
• Perfect for leftovers: This reheats beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Good news—you don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe! Here’s what I use:

• A large, deep skillet or Dutch oven: The wider surface makes it easier to stir the pasta and keep the sauce from sticking. Nonstick is a bonus for easy cleanup.
• A wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.
• Microplane or grater: To freshly grate your Parmesan cheese for that extra burst of flavor.

If you’re in the market for a new pot, look for something with a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly. A budget-friendly enameled Dutch oven is a solid choice.

Simple Ingredients for One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This recipe keeps it simple with everyday ingredients, but the flavors are anything but basic. Here are a few highlights:

• Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is quick to cook and stays tender in the creamy sauce. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These pack a punch of tangy, intense flavor. I prefer the oil-packed kind for extra richness.
• Paccheri pasta: The large tubular shape soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. Can’t find paccheri? Rigatoni or penne will work just as well.
• Heavy cream: This is non-negotiable for achieving that silky, luxurious sauce. If needed, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.

Pro tip: Keep pantry staples like sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth on hand so this meal is always an option when you’re in a pinch!

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Equipment: Large skillet or Dutch oven

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 ounces paccheri pasta (or any large tubular pasta)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
2. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden but not fully cooked through.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Nestle in the paccheri pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged.
5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and thyme: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and add the fresh thyme sprigs.
6. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce to low heat. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Incorporate Parmesan: Remove the thyme sprigs, then stir in the Parmesan until melted and creamy.
8. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Don’t skimp on high-quality Parmesan: It makes all the difference for a rich, creamy sauce.
• Keep stirring: Stir every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Thin the sauce if needed: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream before serving.
• Cut ingredients ahead: Pre-chop the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes to make things go even faster.
• Storage: Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat with a bit of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Easy One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Variations

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra color and nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Use more red pepper flakes or mix in a spoonful of chili garlic paste.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and adjust the simmer time accordingly.

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully. Add it in Step 6 so it doesn’t overcook.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half works in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as thick. Avoid milk—it’s too thin for this recipe.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano is a great substitute, or for a milder flavor, try grated Asiago cheese.

Can I double this recipe?

You can, but you’ll need a very large pot. Also, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta cooks through evenly.

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The dish is so delicious and comforting, it supposedly inspires marriage proposals! One bite, and you’ll see why.

Ready to try this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta? I can practically guarantee it’ll become one of your weeknight favorites. Let me know how it turns out in the comments—what’s your favorite twist on a classic creamy chicken pasta?