Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Have you ever made a dish so delicious that you can’t stop thinking about it? Well, that’s exactly what happened the first time I tried Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s one of those meals that’s both comforting and fancy, and it comes together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights when you want something indulgent. Imagine juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and a little tang from sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped up in your favorite pasta. Trust me, this pasta will make everyone at the table fall in love!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a white bowl, showing seasoned chicken, penne, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce with pepper and herbs.

And here’s the best part: it’s super easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Let’s dive right into this easy pasta dinner that will quickly become one of your favorite recipes dinner!

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dish that everyone will love! Marry me chicken pasta is creamy, tangy, savory, and so satisfying!

  • Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Penne Pasta: Traps the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings give the marry me chicken pasta its first layer of flavor!
  • Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken in.

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

  • Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and adds creaminess.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best!
  • Flour: To thicken up the sauce with.
  • Chicken Broth: Adjusts the consistency of the sauce and also adds savory flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture. You can also use half and half as a lighter option.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds sharp, cheesy flavor and richness.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and delicious, for that classic ‘Marry Me’ flavor!
  • Paprika: Adds a bit of smoky warmth.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Fresh Basil: Aromatic garnish that adds a pop of freshness!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into how to bring this dish together. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting meal that’s sure to impress!

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and season them with salt and pepper. This helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you make the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add in the flour and stir to create a smooth paste.

Step 5: Add the Liquid Ingredients and Cheese

Whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream to form the base of the sauce. Add grated parmesan cheese to give the sauce a rich, cheesy flavor. Stir everything together, ensuring it’s smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Stir in the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasoning

Add the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Combine the Chicken and Pasta

Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add in the drained penne pasta. Stir everything together until the chicken and pasta are fully coated with the creamy sauce. You’re almost there!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

For the finishing touch, garnish your pasta with freshly chopped basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta overhead view in a speckled bowl, showing penne, seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and creamy sauce.

Tips & Variations

  • Use Different Pasta: While penne works great, you can experiment with different pasta dinner recipes. Try spaghetti or fettuccine for a different twist.
  • Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Add Veggies: For some added freshness and nutrition, toss in a handful of spinach or some sautéed mushrooms when making the sauce.
  • Make it Lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Why This is the Best Chicken Pasta Recipe

I know you’re wondering why this is called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta.” Let me tell you—this creamy, dreamy dish is so good, it just might have you falling in love with pasta all over again. The combination of pasta with chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes is magical. It’s the kind of meal you’d want to make on date night or when you have friends over. And the best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare, so you can enjoy it even on the busiest nights.

If you love creamy pasta dishes, be sure to check out other pasta recipes like Shrimp Scampi with Capellini Pasta or Gordon Ramsay Mac and Cheese—they’re just as indulgent and perfect for any occasion.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken?

Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, you can use thighs or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to life.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the pasta with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free flour for the sauce.

Storage & Reheating

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is truly a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy nights or special occasions. I love how quick and easy it is to prepare while still feeling indulgent.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or tag me on Instagram when you try it. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you later!

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Close-up of Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with penne pasta, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, savory pasta with golden-brown chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan sauce that will steal your heart.


Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil for garnish

For the pasta:

  • 10 ounces penne pasta (you can also try whole grain pasta for a healthier twist—check out this guide on whole grain pasta for more options!)4

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to salt the water! Once it’s cooked, drain and set it aside while we work on the chicken and sauce.

2. Cook the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season it with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Now, whisk in the flour and cook for another minute, forming a paste.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until smooth. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes to thicken.

4. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the pasta. Stir everything together so the chicken and pasta are coated in the creamy sauce.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined, plate your pasta with chicken and garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. If you love cheesy, creamy pasta, you might also want to add a bit more parmesan on top!

Notes

  • You can add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half and half.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Marry me chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy chicken dinner, sun-dried tomatoes, pasta recipes

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