Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Looking for a dish that’s so irresistibly delicious it might just lead to a proposal?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta takes the beloved flavors of classic Marry Me Chicken and makes them even better with tender penne pasta! Each bite is packed with creamy, cheesy, sun-dried tomato goodness that’s impossible to resist.
If you love quick and flavorful skillet pasta dishes, be sure to try One-Pot Creamy Chicken Mushroom Florentine, Ground Beef Stroganoff, or Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich & Creamy: A luxurious sauce made with parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple, flavorful ingredients for a restaurant-quality meal!
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Follow these simple steps for a meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time!
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for another minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything in the creamy sauce.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside. Meanwhile, cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning, seasoning further with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Check the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
Add Some Spice: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and enhances the flavor.
How to Store & Reheat
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them for later:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed for moisture.
Make It Tonight!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home. Whether you’re making it for a date night or a family meal, this creamy, flavorful pasta is sure to win hearts. Try it tonight and watch everyone fall in love with every bite!