Print

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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