Introduction

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce with penne pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper

For the pasta:

10 oz penne pasta

For the sauce:

1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
3 tbsp butter (Kerrygold recommended for richness)
2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
3 tbsp flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

For the garnish:

Fresh basil (torn just before serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to create a paste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
For extra richness, use high-quality butter like Kerrygold when making the sauce.
Swap penne pasta for rigatoni or farfalle to change up the texture.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Storage

Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes. Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold the sauce nicely, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken pieces should be no longer pink inside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking for 6–8 minutes over medium-high heat usually ensures they are cooked properly.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 120 reviews

This Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. Garnished with fresh basil for a burst of freshness, this recipe is perfect for an impressive yet comforting meal any day of the week.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper

For the pasta:

10 oz penne pasta

For the sauce:

1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
3 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold for richness)
2 cups chicken broth
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
3 tbsp flour
2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)

For the garnish:

Fresh basil (torn just before serving)
Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil 10 oz of penne pasta in a large pot of well-salted water following the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while preparing the chicken and sauce.
Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season these pieces with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 tsp minced fresh garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp flour to form a paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth until smooth, then add 1 cup heavy cream (at room temperature) and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika, and 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for several minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency.
Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces and the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly coated with the sauce. Taste the mixture and add additional salt and pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the dish with torn fresh basil leaves to add brightness and color. Optionally, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. Serve warm and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Notes

For best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes as they provide richer taste and texture.
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Allow cream to come to room temperature before adding to the sauce to prevent curdling.
Use freshly minced garlic for optimal flavor during sautéing.
Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preference.
If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato sauce, Parmesan chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe