Introduction

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken, pounded to even thickness
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
10 oz penne pasta
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)
Fresh basil (torn just before serving, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in flour to make a paste, then gradually whisk in chicken broth. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
Step 6: Stir in drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
Step 7: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Stir well to coat everything thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water first.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne works best for holding the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine if preferred.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes. Be sure to choose a flavorful non-dairy Parmesan alternative or omit the cheese altogether.

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 127 reviews

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken pieces, al dente penne pasta, and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh basil, this comforting pasta meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner that impresses with its smooth, luscious texture and balanced seasoning.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

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

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a paste, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine chicken and pasta with sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with torn fresh basil leaves and, optionally, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich, creamy flavors at their best.

Notes

Pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for better flavor and texture in the sauce.
Kerrygold butter enhances richness but any unsalted butter works fine.
Ensure heavy cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling when added to the sauce.
Simmer the sauce gently to avoid burning and ensure proper thickening.
Fresh basil added last gives a fresh aroma and vibrant color contrast.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, one-pan creamy chicken, Italian pasta recipe, comfort food chicken pasta