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Home » Easy Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

Updated: Feb 23, 2025 | Published: Jan 12, 2025 | by Patricia Granek | 1 Comment

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Creamy and flavorful, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta features tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of lemon for freshness. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner ready in just 30 minutes with an easy gluten-free option!

Cast iron skillet filled with Marry Me Chicken Pasta, featuring creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and penne pasta, garnished with fresh basil.

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Jump to:
  • 😍Why You'll Love This
  • 🍝Ingredient Notes
  • 🔁Substitutions
  • 👩🏽‍🍳How to Make Marry Me Pasta
  • 💡Recipe Tips For Success
  • ⏲️ How to Meal Prep This
  • 🥡How To Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
  • ❔Recipe FAQ
  • 🥣Recipe Pairing
  • 📖 Recipe

✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Patricia, a mom of three with years of experience juggling quick meals, big flavors, and the occasional picky eater. My goal? To make dinnertime easier without skimping on taste.

Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s a huge hit at my table: Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s tender chicken tossed with a creamy, tangy sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a bright pop of lemon to cut through the richness. This dish is comfort food with a twist—fancy enough for guests but simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight (or when leftover chicken needs a makeover).

Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken, I knew this sauce would be amazing with pasta. Adding lemon for balance and a little extra brightness turned it into something special. My husband even declared it “the best pasta dish ever!”—a big deal for a guy who loves his pasta.

Need another reason to try it? This recipe is versatile, foolproof, and ready in just 30 minutes. Pair it with our viral cucumber and red pepper salad, and why not make our Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats for dessert?

😍Why You'll Love This

  • You’re Busy, I Get It: Whether it’s a weeknight or you’re scrambling to use up that leftover chicken (or rotisserie chicken you grabbed on the way home), this simple dish has your back. Dinner in 30 minutes? Done
  • No More Bland Chicken Dinners: The creamy sauce with a pop of tangy lemon and sun-dried tomatoes makes every bite unforgettable.
  • Perfect Balance of Creamy and Fresh: We balance out this dish by adding lemon and herbs to keep the creamy sauce rich but never heavy. It’s comfort food with an elegant twist.
  • Quick but Foolproof: Ready in just 30 minutes with easy-to-follow steps, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the stress.
A spoon lifting a portion of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, showing creamy sauce coating the penne pasta and tender chicken pieces.

🍝Ingredient Notes

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish with simple ingredients, featuring tender chicken and a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce. Our version of Marry Me pasta brings out the bold flavors but uses a few tweaks to make it extra special.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta displayed on a wooden board, including chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic, and cream.
  • Penne Pasta: Any pasta type will work (like bowtie pasta), but I prefer penne because I like how it soaks up the sauce! I used Barilla gluten-free pasta to keep this gluten-free, which holds its shape well and works perfectly in the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Breasts: Juicy chicken breasts are the protein of choice here because they are neutral enough to let the sauce shine but still provide juicy, tender bites that soak up the flavors. Searing it to golden brown adds a slight caramelization that deepens the overall taste.
  • Olive Oil: I prefer olive oil for its mild flavor that adds a smooth richness to enhance the aromatics.
  • Fresh Garlic: I highly recommend using fresh garlic for this dish. It’s the backbone of the sauce and sets the stage for the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs to shine.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended. A tiny pinch adds just enough heat to balance out the creaminess of the sauce without making it spicy.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: This ingredient is what makes this dish! Sun-dried tomatoes have a concentrated, tangy sweetness that cuts through the sauce's richness.
  • Chicken Broth: If you're sensitive to gluten, make sure to choose a gluten-free version (I used Pacific Foods)
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is rich without being overpowering, creating the signature velvety texture of Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Coconut cream works well if you need a dairy-free option.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick that balances the creaminess and ties all the flavors together. You can swap for a dairy-free version, but you may have to adjust the salt and lemon levels (not as briney).
  • Fresh Basil and Oregano: The perfect pairing for Marry Me pasta! These herbs add a fresh, aromatic lift, contrasting perfectly with the creamy sauce and tangy tomatoes.
  • Lemon Zest and Juice: Our unique addition and what makes our recipe stand out! Just a touch of lemon juice and zest cuts through the richness and brightens up the entire dish. It’s that small detail that makes a big difference.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of freshness and color as a garnish.

The exact quantities for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.

⚠️ Celiac Reminder: Double-check that your chicken broth, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes are certified gluten-free. Cross-contamination can sneak in with these ingredients. I used Barilla gluten-free penne pasta and Pacific Foods chicken broth for the chicken stock.

🔁Substitutions

Marry me chicken pasta you can swap out a few ingredients if you need to

  • Chicken Alternative: If you prefer a different protein, turkey breast or firm tofu can work well. Turkey offers a similar texture, while tofu provides a plant-based alternative (we love swapping tofu for chicken in this dish).
  • Pasta Types: While penne pasta is traditional for this dish, bowtie pasta (farfalle) or spaghetti can be used based on your preference or availability. Each shape holds the creamy sauce differently, offering a unique experience.
  • Dairy-Free Options: To make this dairy-free dish, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew-based cream. Use a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese to maintain the savory flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Substitute: Roasted red peppers can be a good alternative if sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable. They provide a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Spinach Variation: For extra greens, stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. The heat will wilt the spinach, adding color and nutrients without altering the dish's flavor profile.

👩🏽‍🍳How to Make Marry Me Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Patsa

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining—it’s great for loosening up the sauce if it gets too thick. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

⚡Save that pasta water! It’s the secret to silky, well-coated pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Remove the chicken breast from its packaging. I don't like to rinse my chicken, but I will dab it with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Then, using a sharp knife, cut into 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.

Tip: Feel free to slice your chicken to your preference; this recipe will work with slices as well.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear for 6-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Raw chicken pieces being cooked in a cast iron skillet, showing the initial stage of searing.
Chicken pieces in a cast iron skillet, cooked to golden brown and ready to be set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Into the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add more olive oil if needed, then sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds—just until you smell the garlic. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes to release their flavor, then add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, basil, oregano, and lemon juice. Increase the heat to medium and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet when you add the broth—those bits add extra flavor to the sauce!

Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs sautéing in a skillet, creating the base for the sauce.
A creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs simmering in a skillet, ready for the chicken and pasta.

Step 5: Combine Marry Me Pasta

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cooked penne pasta added to the skillet with chicken and creamy sauce, ready to be combined.
Fully cooked Marry Me Chicken Pasta served in a cast iron skillet, garnished with fresh basil and herbs.

Step 6: Serve

Divide the pasta onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tip: If you want to impress guests, serve family-style in a large bowl with fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top—it’s simple but makes the dish look extra inviting.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta served in a cast iron skillet and plated on a ceramic dish, featuring tender chicken, penne pasta, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil garnish.
Close-up of Marry Me Chicken Pasta on a plate, highlighting the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Overhead shot of Marry Me Chicken Pasta served in a skillet, garnished with fresh basil, ready to serve.

💡Recipe Tips For Success

  • Pasta Tip: If you are using gluten-free pasta for this marry me pasta, make sure to cook it al dente. Overcooking can lead to mushy cooked pasta, especially when tossed in the creamy chicken pasta sauce. Stir the pasta while cooking to prevent sticking, and always cook it in a large pot of salted water for the best flavor.
  • Rest the Chicken: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the juices locked in, ensuring juicy bites of chicken.
  • Scrape the Browned Bits: When making the sauce, don’t skip scraping up the browned bits left in the skillet after cooking the chicken. These add a depth of flavor to the creamy chicken pasta sauce that ties the dish together.
  • Save Some Pasta Water: Adding a cup of starchy pasta water (a tablespoon at a time) can help loosen a thick sauce while making it silky and cohesive.
  • Let the Pasta Sit in the Sauce: Once combined, let the pasta sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes on low heat. This step allows the delicious pasta to soak up the flavors of Marry Me Chicken, making the dish even more flavorful.

⏲️ How to Meal Prep This

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a meal prep-friendly recipe if you properly store and reheat the components correctly. cook the sauce and chicken as directed and store them together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the cooked pasta separate and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Combine the pasta with the sauce and chicken just before serving. This keeps the texture of the pasta and the sauce perfect.

You can also meal prep these recipes to serve along with your Marry me Pasta:

  • Spinach Arugula Salad with Hummus Dill Dressing
  • Fluffy Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe
  • Sheet Pan Roasted Pumpkin Soup
  • 10 minute Instant Pot Broccoli Zucchini Soup
Close-up of Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a cast iron skillet, highlighting the creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil garnish.

🥡How To Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal texture, keep the pasta separate from the sauce and chicken. When reheating, warm the sauce and chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to reach the desired consistency. Reheat the pasta separately and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Image of a family of 5 (mom, dad and 3 boys) standing outside by a swing.

As a busy mom of three and someone who’s been gluten-free for over a decade, I understand the importance of finding recipes that work for everyone in the family. This marry me chicken recipe has been a favorite at our table—it’s easy to make gluten-free but so delicious that no one ever notices the difference!

❔Recipe FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through. This can be a time-saver for busy nights. If using pre-cooked chicken, add it in step 5 so it doesn’t overcook.

How can I prevent the sauce from curdling when using dairy-free substitutes?

To prevent curdling with dairy-free creams, ensure you're cooking over low to medium heat and avoid bringing the sauce to a rapid boil. Gradually incorporate the cream substitute, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.

How can I avoid the sauce being too thick or too thin?

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

You can, but I don't recommend it. Fresh tomatoes will change the flavor profile of marry me chicken. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, concentrated flavor that fresh tomatoes can’t replicate. If you use fresh, consider roasting them first to deepen the flavor.

🌟 Loved our Marry me pasta recipe? Let us know! I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment, star rating, or share this recipe. Your feedback helps support and improve AtMyTable and helps others discover new favorites. Or come chat with me on Facebook or Instagram!

🥣Recipe Pairing

We love serving our marry-me chicken pasta with fresh salad, a slice of our buckwheat loaf, or, if we are hosting, our famous Brazilian Caipirinha! It's the perfect way to make this a balanced yet simple meal!

  • Close up of a cucumner peper salad topped with a ginger sesame oil dressing and sprinkled with everythign bagel seasoning.
    Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
  • A hand tossing the spinach and arugula salad with roasted white beans and dill dressing, using a pair of red tongs, which adds a vibrant contrast to the greens and emphasizes the mixing of flavors.
    High-Protein Spinach and Arugula Salad
  • A whole gluten-free buckwheat bread loaf on parchment paper with a rustic, textured gray background.
    Easy Buckwheat Bread Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • A refreshing glass of Caipirinha de Limão with lime slices and ice, served with a wooden stir stick, surrounded by fresh limes and a muddling glass, highlighting the vibrant and zesty nature of this traditional Brazilian cocktail.
    How to Make Brazilian Caipirinha Recipe (Lime Cocktail)

👋🏼I’d love to hear—did your family fall in love with this dish as much as mine? Let’s chat in the comments! Até logo, amigos!

📖 Recipe

Final plated version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a cast iron skillet, ready to be served, garnished with basil leaves and surrounded by rustic decor.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

Patricia Granek
Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Our version adds lemon to balance the richness of the sauce, creating a dish that’s flavorful without feeling heavy and has an easy gluten-free swap. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting yet elegant meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Servings 6 servings
Calories 554 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 12 oz penne pasta or gluten-free
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Marry Me Sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoon fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-step imagesScroll back to find prep and cooking images and tips!

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Following package instructions for cook time. Then, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  • Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging. Then cut into 1-inch cubes. Then, season the chicken breast cubes with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, on medium-low heat, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
    Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, basil, oregano, and lemon zest and juice. Increase the heat to medium, stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Adjust consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed.
  • Serve: Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and cook it just to al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Stir frequently while cooking to prevent sticking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce separate for the best texture when reheating.
Recipe Tip:
  •  Adding lemon juice balances the richness of the sauce, making it flavorful without feeling heavy, so don't skip this step!
  • Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and can be used to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 554kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 26gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 735mgPotassium: 1001mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1172IUVitamin B12: 0.4µgVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 282mgIron: 3mgZinc: 2mg
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments !

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    Marry Me Butter Beans (Lemon Tomato Herb Sauce)
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    Juicy Gluten-Free Meatballs (Stuffed)
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Comments

    5 from 1 vote

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Patricia Granek says

    February 05, 2025 at 10:21 am

    5 stars
    I really loved developing and making this recipe for all of you to enjoy! I woudl love to hear how you enjoyed it in the comments and welcome any feedback if you make this dish!

    Keep savoring every bite and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun.

    Reply
Photo of Patricia Granek smiling with hair down

Oi, Hi, I'm Patricia!

I'm a Brazilian-born mom of 3 living in Toronto, with a Ph.D. in Health Science. I've been gluten-free for over 10 years, and after years navigating my family's mixed dietary needs, I created AtMyTable—quick, reliable, allergy-friendly recipes inspired by my Brazilian roots, where every meal is delicious enough to bring everyone together at one table.

More about me →

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Close-up of a creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta dish with penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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