If you’re looking for a dinner so good it earns marriage-proposal levels of praise, Smoky One-Pot “Marry Me” Pasta absolutely lives up to its name. This dish takes the viral creamy “Marry Me” sauce—famous for its rich texture and sun-dried tomato flavor—and elevates it with a deep smoky twist, all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Creamy, savory, slightly smoky, and perfectly comforting, this pasta is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy date nights, or anytime you want a meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Smoky One-Pot Pasta

This recipe hits every comfort-food note:

One pot = easy cleanup
Ultra-creamy, restaurant-style sauce
Smoky depth of flavor

Quick enough for weeknights
Perfect for date night or guests
Customizable with chicken, shrimp, or sausage

It’s rich without being heavy, bold without being overwhelming, and guaranteed to impress.

What Is “Marry Me” Pasta?

“Marry Me” Pasta is a creamy pasta dish inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken.” The name comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal.

Classic versions feature:

Creamy parmesan sauce
Garlic and Italian seasoning
Sun-dried tomatoes

Tender pasta

This smoky one-pot version adds depth with smoked paprika, optional bacon or sausage, and a slightly richer sauce—all cooked together for deeper flavor infusion.

What Makes This Version Smoky?

The smoky flavor comes from a combination of:

Smoked paprika (key ingredient)
Optional bacon or smoked sausage
Light caramelization of garlic and tomato paste

One-pot cooking, which concentrates flavor

The result is a warm, savory smokiness that balances beautifully with the cream and cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry ingredients come together for big flavor.

Pasta

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
Short pasta works best for one-pot cooking

Aromatics

Onion (finely diced)

Garlic (freshly minced)

Flavor Base

Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
Tomato paste

Smoked paprika
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Creamy Sauce

Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Optional Proteins

Chicken breast or thighs
Bacon
Smoked sausage

Shrimp

Finishing Touches

Butter
Fresh basil or parsley

Extra parmesan

Best Pasta Shapes for One-Pot Pasta

Choosing the right pasta helps everything cook evenly.

Best Options

Penne

Rigatoni
Rotini
Fusilli

Avoid

Angel hair (overcooks quickly)
Extra-large shells

Short, sturdy pasta holds the creamy sauce best.

How to Make Smoky One-Pot “Marry Me” Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Base

In a large deep skillet or pot, sauté onion in butter or oil until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 2: Build Smoky Flavor

Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook briefly to deepen flavor.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chop and stir them in, allowing their oils to coat the aromatics.

Step 4: Add Pasta & Liquid

Pour in uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and cream. Stir well so pasta is submerged.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Lower heat and stir in parmesan until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Top with fresh herbs, extra cheese, and optional protein.

One-Pot Protein Options

Chicken “Marry Me” Pasta

Add diced chicken at the beginning
Sauté until lightly golden

Bacon Version

Cook bacon first
Use drippings for the base
Crumble bacon on top

Smoked Sausage

Slice and brown before adding onion

Shrimp

Add at the very end
Cook just until pink

Each option adds its own personality to the dish.

Flavor & Texture Profile

This pasta is:

Creamy and luxurious

Savory with a smoky backbone
Slightly tangy from sun-dried tomatoes
Rich but balanced

Every bite is bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

Pro Tips for the Best One-Pot Pasta

Stir often to prevent sticking
Use freshly grated parmesan for smooth sauce

Don’t boil aggressively—gentle simmer is key
Add cream slowly for best texture
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning

Variations to Try

Spicy Smoky Pasta

Add extra red pepper flakes or chili oil.

Veggie “Marry Me” Pasta

Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.

Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce cheese slightly.

Extra Cheesy

Stir in mozzarella or fontina for a stretchier sauce.

What to Serve with Smoky “Marry Me” Pasta

This pasta pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread

Simple arugula salad
Roasted broccoli or asparagus
Caesar salad

Keep sides light to balance the richness.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make Ahead

Best enjoyed fresh
Can be made a few hours ahead and reheated gently

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
Store in an airtight container

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream

Avoid high heat to prevent separation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using pre-shredded cheese (can make sauce grainy)
Cooking pasta on high heat

Skipping seasoning layers
Letting sauce reduce too much before cheese

Avoiding these ensures silky results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called “Marry Me” Pasta?

Because it’s so delicious, it’s said to inspire a proposal.

Is this dish spicy?

Mild by default, easily adjustable.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free pasta and monitor liquid closely.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, especially without red pepper flakes.

Perfect Occasions for This Dish

Smoky One-Pot “Marry Me” Pasta is perfect for:

Date night at home

Special weeknight dinners
Entertaining guests
Comfort-food cravings

Cozy weekends

It feels fancy but requires very little effort.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because:

One-pot cooking concentrates flavor
Smoky elements balance the cream
Pasta absorbs sauce as it cooks

Simple ingredients create depth

It’s comfort food with personality.

Final Thoughts

This Smoky One-Pot “Marry Me” Pasta is rich, creamy, and unforgettable. With its smoky depth, luxurious sauce, and easy one-pot method, it’s the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests—and maybe even a proposal.

If you’re craving a bold, comforting pasta that feels restaurant-worthy but cooks at home with ease, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Smoky One-Pot “Marry Me” Pasta (Creamy, Bold & Irresistible)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Sear chicken: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook 5–6 min until golden. Remove and set aside.

Sauté aromatics: In same pot, add onion; cook 3–4 min until soft. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 min.
Add pasta & liquid: Stir in uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Finish: Return chicken to pot. Stir in Parmesan and spinach until melted and wilted.
Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and extra Parmesan.

💡 Pro Tips:
– Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor (use 1 tbsp of the oil to sauté!).
– Don’t skip the smoked paprika—it’s the “smoky” secret!
– For extra luxury, stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese with the Parmesan.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):