Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and parmesan—rich, romantic, and ready in 30 minutes to steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Romantic and indulgent: A great choice for date night or any special dinner.
• One-pan convenience: Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
• Flavor explosion: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and cream make every bite rich and satisfying.
• Customizable: Switch up the pasta or adjust spice levels to your liking.
• Quick and easy: Done in just 30 minutes, but tastes like it took hours.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for another 30 seconds to form a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
6. Mix in parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and well combined.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
8. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve hot.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving

Variations

• Use a different pasta: Try fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
• Add greens: Spinach or kale can be tossed in with the sauce for a nutrient boost.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Swap the protein: Try shrimp or sliced sausage instead of chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot.

FAQs

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?

Yes, just heat it through in the sauce during step 7. Rotisserie chicken works well too.

What Can I Use Instead Of Heavy Cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be less rich.

Do I Have To Use Penne Pasta?

Not at all—any short pasta like fusilli or bowtie will hold the sauce nicely.

Is This Recipe Spicy?

Not by default, but you can add spice with chili flakes or hot paprika if desired.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes! Just reheat gently and add a little extra liquid to bring the sauce back to life.

Can I Freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s not recommended for best texture.

Can I Make It Vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or white beans for protein.

What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

You can substitute with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor.

How Do I Make The Sauce Thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer or add a touch more parmesan cheese or flour.

Can I Add Wine To The Sauce?

Absolutely—a splash of white wine (about ¼ cup) added before the broth will deepen the flavor.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a catchy name—it’s a creamy, dreamy, restaurant-quality dish you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes. With tender chicken, bold sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan sauce, it’s a recipe guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy cravings. Whether you’re making dinner for two or feeding the family, this pasta dish brings the magic to the table.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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

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Description

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and parmesan—romantic and ready in 30 minutes to steal the show!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 12 ounces penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

• Cook penne pasta per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

• Season chicken with salt and pepper.

• Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken 6–8 minutes until done. Remove and set aside.

• Melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in flour to make a roux.

• Whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream; stir until thickened.

• Add parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.

• Return chicken to skillet, simmer briefly.

• Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.

 

• Garnish with chopped basil and serve hot.

Notes

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Swap penne with rigatoni or fettuccine for a twist.
• Leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American