Marry Me Chicken Pizza

The name alone made my skeptical cousin raise an eyebrow when I mentioned I was turning that viral pasta dish into a pizza. But something about the way the cream sauce bubbled up between the mozzarella as it baked changed his mind completely. Now he requests it every time he visits, and honestly, I get it—there's something magical about that first slice when the crust is still hot enough to burn your fingers just a little.

I made this for the first time on a rainy Tuesday when I had leftover chicken and a sudden craving for something comforting but not too heavy. My roommate walked in mid-prep, smelled the garlic and cream hitting the pan, and literally asked if she could set a permanent place at our dinner table. The pizza itself disappeared in under seven minutes flat.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Dicing them small helps them cook quickly and stay tender in the sauce
• Heavy cream: Creates that luscious sauce that coats every bite—dont skimp here
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These pack a concentrated punch of sweet-tart flavor that cuts through the richness
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that makes the cream sauce taste restaurant-quality
• Pizza dough: Let it come to room temperature for easier stretching and better blistering in the oven
• Fresh basil: Tear it by hand right before serving to preserve the oils and aroma

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 220°C with the pizza stone inside if you have one—the heat shock makes for an incredible crust

Cook the chicken:

Sauté the seasoned chicken in olive oil until just cooked through, then add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant

Make the magic sauce:

Pour in the cream and stir in Parmesan, simmering until everything thickens into something you'll want to eat with a spoon

Stretch and prep:

Roll your dough on a floured surface, transfer to parchment, and brush the edges with olive oil for that golden finish

Assemble:

Spread the chicken mixture evenly, leaving a border for the crust to rise, then scatter mozzarella across the top

Bake to perfection:

Slide onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake until the cheese is bubbling and deeply golden in spots

Finish with fresh basil:

Scatter torn basil over the hot pizza and let it rest just a minute before slicing

Save

My friend Sarah texted me at midnight after trying this, saying she'd been lying awake thinking about that last slice she couldn't fit in her stomach. That's when I knew this recipe wasn't just dinner—it was a memory maker.

Making It Your Own

I've tried adding spinach to the sauce sometimes, and while it changes the flavor profile, it's not bad—just different. The key is keeping that creamy garlic base intact because that's what people keep coming back for.

Perfect Wine Pairings

A crisp Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness perfectly, but I've also served this with sparkling water and a lemon wedge on hot summer days when wine feels too heavy. Both work surprisingly well.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can cook the chicken mixture up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge—it actually develops more flavor overnight. When you're ready to bake, just rewarm it gently while the oven preheats.

• Keep some extra sun-dried tomatoes on hand for garnish
• Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes if it's cold from the fridge
• A drizzle of good balsamic glaze right before serving is absolute perfection

Save

Whether it's date night or just Tuesday, this pizza has a way of making everything feel a little more special.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?

The creamy chicken mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored refrigerated. For the best crispy crust, assemble and bake the pizza just before serving.

→ What kind of pizza dough is recommended?

You can use store-bought fresh pizza dough, a pre-made crust, or your favorite homemade dough. Ensure it's at room temperature for easier rolling and handling.

→ Are there any substitutions for sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes offer a unique tangy depth, you could use roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and savory note, though the overall flavor profile will be slightly different.

→ How can I achieve a crispy pizza crust?

Preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally with a pizza stone or steel inside. Brushing the edges of the dough with olive oil before baking also contributes to a beautiful golden, crispy finish.

→ Can I use different types of cheese on this pizza?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, a blend with provolone, fontina, or a touch of smoked gouda could add more complex cheesy flavors to your topping.

→ What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be thinner. For added richness, you could stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone.