One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Hi friend! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy, full of flavor, and feels kind of fancy—without using a dozen pots and pans—this one’s for you.

This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is something I make when I want to cook something that feels special but still simple. The chicken is juicy, the sauce is creamy, the sun-dried tomatoes give it a pop of flavor—and the best part? It all comes together in one pot. Yep, less mess, less stress, and everyone is always impressed.

I actually made this for a friend once and she said, “This tastes like a restaurant meal!” And it really does. But it’s so easy you’ll be surprised.

Simple Swaps to Fit What You Have

Don’t worry if you don’t have every ingredient exactly. I’ve made this a few different ways depending on what’s in my kitchen. Here are some easy swaps:

• No chicken breast? Use chicken thighs for more flavor. Or try tofu for a plant-based version.
• No sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can work too. Different taste, but still yummy.
• Out of heavy cream? Try half-and-half or coconut cream. Even whole milk with a little cornstarch can make a good creamy sauce.
• No fresh basil? Dried basil works—just use less (about 1 teaspoon). You can also skip it, but fresh herbs do add something special.

It’s flexible, forgiving, and still turns out amazing every time.

How to Make My Favorite One Pot Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce and Pasta:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken First
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken. Sprinkle on salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes if you like a little heat. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Take the chicken out and set it aside.
2. Build the Flavor
   In the same pot (don’t wash it out—those flavors are gold!), sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1–2 minutes. It’ll smell amazing.
3. Add Pasta and Broth
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Lower the heat a little and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then so it doesn’t stick. The pasta should be al dente—not too soft.
4. Make It Creamy
   Once the pasta is ready, stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until it’s creamy and cheesy.
5. Finish It Off
   Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil. Give it a quick taste—add more salt, pepper, or cheese if you want. This is your moment to make it just right.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Scoop it into bowls, sprinkle extra basil or Parmesan on top, and dig in while it’s hot and cozy.

Tips to Make It Even Better

• Use enough broth: Make sure the pasta is covered when you add it to the pot so it cooks evenly.
• Stir often: Especially in the first few minutes, this keeps the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving: This helps the sauce thicken and soak into the pasta more.

And if you’re like me—you’ll want to eat it straight from the pot. Totally okay.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Penne is great, but any medium pasta shape will work. Just adjust the cook time if you use something bigger like rigatoni.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Try using half-and-half, or even a mix of milk and a spoonful of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Coconut cream also works for a dairy-free twist.

How should I store leftovers?

Let the pasta cool, then store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.

Can I add veggies?

Yes, definitely! Spinach, chopped bell peppers, or zucchini are great add-ins. Just sauté them with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes so they blend right in.

Come Cook with Me Again!

That’s it! One pot, creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. I really hope you give this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta a try—because once you do, it’ll probably become a go-to in your kitchen too.

Let me know if you try it out! And hey, come hang out with me on Pinterest for more simple, tasty recipes made with love (and fewer dishes!).