Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta – Creamy Fall Comfort in One Skillet

Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta is what happens when comfort food meets cozy fall vibes in the most irresistible way possible. It’s creamy, it’s savory, and it’s got that “wow, did I just make this?” kind of energy that’ll make your dinner table feel straight out of a fancy restaurant.

The sauce wraps around each noodle like a warm hug—pumpkin, Parmesan, and chicken all playing their parts beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for date night, a family dinner, or just treating yourself after a long day, this pasta delivers pure satisfaction in every bite. If you’ve ever swooned over creamy dishes like my Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce, then you’ll adore this one too.

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What is Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta takes everything we love about “Marry Me Chicken”—that rich, velvety, slightly tangy sauce—and gives it a seasonal twist with creamy pumpkin purée. The pumpkin adds a natural sweetness and earthy depth, balancing perfectly with Parmesan and hints of sage and thyme. Picture this: tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious sauce that clings to every strand.

It’s fall comfort in a skillet, ready in about 30 minutes. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—you don’t need chef-level skills to make it taste like something out of a five-star kitchen. And yes, the name doesn’t lie—this pasta is good enough to make someone fall in love.

Reasons to Try Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

Let’s be honest—pumpkin recipes can be hit or miss, but this one’s a guaranteed hit. Why? Because Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta blends the heartiness of chicken Alfredo with the autumn charm of pumpkin pie (minus the sugar, of course). It’s rich but not heavy, flavorful but not fussy. The pumpkin gives it a subtle sweetness, while garlic, sage, and a touch of red pepper flakes add that irresistible kick. It’s also an easy one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes and more time for you to relax.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes like my Easy Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, this one will absolutely steal your heart.

Ingredients Needed to Make Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4–5 portions of pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini)
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried sage
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup canned pumpkin purée
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated mozzarella
• Chopped fresh parsley or microgreens

Equipment: 1 large braiser or shallow pan, 1 pot and 1 grater.

Instructions to Make Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

Let’s walk through this Step by Step so your Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta turns out creamy, flavorful, and absolutely swoon-worthy. This is one of those recipes where each stage builds delicious layers of flavor — so take your time, savor the process, and get ready for a dish that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels — this simple move helps them brown beautifully instead of steaming. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken in the pan (it should sizzle right away — that’s the sound of flavor developing).

Cook each side for about 5–6 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp on the outside. Don’t crowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches. When the chicken is cooked through, remove it to a plate and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This Step by Step rest period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken juicy and tender when you slice it later.

Pro tip: If you love golden seared chicken recipes, check out my Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce — it uses a similar technique for restaurant-quality flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Just Right

While your chicken is resting, it’s pasta time. Fill a large pot with water, add a good pinch of salt (this seasons the pasta from the inside), and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your favorite pasta — spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini all work beautifully for this recipe.

Cook the pasta until it’s al dente — tender but still slightly firm to the bite. This Step by Step texture makes all the difference because the pasta will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce later. Drain the pasta and toss it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you move to the next stage.

If you love easy pasta dinners, you might also enjoy my Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, another creamy favorite that comes together fast on busy nights.

Step 3: Build the Base of the Sauce

This is where your kitchen starts smelling amazing. Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and add two tablespoons of salted butter. Let it melt and mingle with the leftover chicken bits — that’s liquid gold right there. Toss in three minced garlic cloves and stir constantly for about a minute, just until fragrant (careful not to burn it).

Now pour in one cup of chicken broth, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. This Step by Step deglazing is key — it infuses your sauce with incredible depth. Add thyme, sage, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle warmth that complements the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.

Step 4: Create the Pumpkin Cream Sauce

Time for the heart of this dish — the creamy pumpkin sauce. Whisk in the pumpkin purée and let it blend with the savory broth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to keep things smooth and silky. Once combined, add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, letting them melt into the sauce for a rich, velvety finish.

Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon beautifully. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

If you enjoy cooking with pumpkin, you’ll also love my Harvest Delight Pumpkin Sage Bisque — it uses similar fall flavors in a cozy soup form.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Pasta

Now for the grand finale — bringing it all together. Slice your rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then add them back into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss in the cooked pasta, coating everything evenly in that dreamy pumpkin cream mixture.

Let the pasta and chicken simmer together for about five minutes over low heat. This Step by Step melding lets the flavors soak into every bite — it’s what transforms a simple meal into something restaurant-worthy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra cream to loosen it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce is glossy and the pasta looks irresistibly coated, remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or microgreens over the top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s warm, creamy, and at its most luscious.

This dish pairs beautifully with Parmesan Garlic Roasted Carrots or even a light side salad. If you want to round out your dinner with dessert, finish off with a cozy slice of No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecake.

Every bite of this Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Step by Step guide is designed to make you fall in love with the process — not just the results. It’s creamy, savory, subtly sweet, and perfect for when you want something indulgent without hours in the kitchen.

What to Serve with Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple side salad or roasted veggie pairs perfectly. Try serving it with Parmesan Garlic Roasted Carrots or a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of sauce. For wine lovers, a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. And if you’re planning a cozy dinner spread, you can finish the night with something equally comforting like Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.

Key Tips for Making Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

• Don’t skip the sear. That golden crust adds incredible flavor to both the chicken and sauce.
• Use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. You want pure pumpkin goodness, not dessert!
• Adjust your spice level. Crushed red pepper adds a subtle kick—add more or less to suit your taste.
• Go heavy on the cheese if you want extra creaminess. Parmesan gives tang, mozzarella adds that perfect melt.
• Save some pasta water. A splash can help thin the sauce if it thickens too much.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. Microwave works too—just cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals. Avoid freezing since cream sauces can separate when thawed. But honestly, this pasta’s so good, it rarely makes it to the freezer stage!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead? Absolutely! It saves time and still tastes great.
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes—swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas and use veggie broth.
What kind of pasta works best? Long noodles like linguine or bucatini cling to the sauce beautifully, but penne works too.
Can I substitute the heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter version.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta is everything fall dinners should be—warm, creamy, and just a little indulgent. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company. If your family loves comfort dishes with a twist, this one’s sure to be a repeat favorite. And when the craving for more cozy, creamy meals hits, check out my Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta for another quick crowd-pleaser.

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