Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that will capture hearts, with its perfect blend of tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and bursts of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s an irresistible meal that brings comfort and sophistication to the dinner table. The combination of the creamy, velvety sauce clinging to the pasta, along with savory chicken and zesty sun-dried tomatoes, creates a harmony of flavors that makes this dish unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it on a casual night or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

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Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating its rich flavor and luxurious texture. The penne pasta serves as the ideal vessel for holding the creamy sauce. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy while adding a hearty protein element to the dish. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken, locking in its natural juices.

The sauce is built on a foundation of butter, which not only adds richness but also creates a smooth base for the garlic to infuse its aromatic flavor. All-purpose flour forms a roux that thickens the sauce without making it heavy, while chicken broth adds depth and a savory element. Heavy cream is what gives the sauce its signature creaminess, while Parmesan cheese enhances the dish with its nutty, salty taste. Sun-dried tomatoes introduce a punch of tartness, cutting through the richness of the sauce. Paprika and Italian seasoning tie everything together, adding layers of warmth and complexity. Finally, fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness, making the dish vibrant and fragrant.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking the Pasta
Cooking pasta to perfection is key to this dish. Start by boiling water with a generous amount of salt, which seasons the pasta from the inside. Penne is the ideal choice here because its ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully. Make sure to cook it until just al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite but not overly soft. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. A great tip is to reserve a bit of the pasta water—this starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later if needed.

Preparing the Chicken
To get the juiciest chicken, cut the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces so that they cook evenly. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor. Heating olive oil over medium-high heat ensures that the chicken gets a nice sear, creating a golden crust on the outside while keeping it moist inside. Sauté the chicken for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked, and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Making the Creamy Sauce
The sauce is what makes this dish truly special. Begin by melting butter in the same skillet you used for the chicken, so it absorbs the delicious browned bits left behind. Sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The flour is then stirred in, creating a roux that serves as the thickening agent for the sauce.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and lump-free. Parmesan cheese is gradually melted into the sauce, adding a rich and savory element. The drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning come next, infusing the sauce with both sweetness and spice. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, developing a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.

Combining Everything
Once the sauce has reached the perfect consistency, return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together, making sure the sauce thoroughly coats each piece of chicken and every pasta tube. The balance of creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta makes every bite an indulgent experience.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Adjust the creaminess of the sauce by adding more heavy cream for a richer texture or reducing it for a lighter consistency.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few extra minutes. For a thinner sauce, add reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.

If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your favorite, swap them out for roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes. Similarly, you can substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni or farfalle, would work.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.

Is there a lighter version of this dish that still tastes great?
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter yet still creamy sauce.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To balance the richness of this pasta dish, consider serving it with lighter, complementary sides. A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing will contrast nicely with the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli offer a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the pasta.

For those looking to elevate the dining experience, consider wine pairings like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay, which enhance the creamy elements of the dish without overpowering it.

Variations on the Recipe

There are many ways to personalize Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Adding fresh spinach or mushrooms to the sauce can introduce earthy flavors and additional nutrients. If you prefer seafood, shrimp can easily replace the chicken, giving the dish a briny, oceanic twist. Another option is to turn this recipe into a baked pasta dish. After combining the chicken, pasta, and sauce, transfer everything into a baking dish, top with extra Parmesan cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly for a delightful crust.

Before serving, don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch. The vibrant green of the basil not only adds visual appeal but also a refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Encourage your guests to dig in and savor each bite, and perhaps even add their own spin to the recipe. Whether for a weeknight meal or a romantic dinner, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to become a beloved favorite at any table.

Ingredients

Chicken Pasta

10 ounces penne pasta
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Chicken Pasta

Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 inch in size. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping the skillet ready for the sauce preparation.

Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the flour, creating a roux by mixing until it forms a smooth paste.

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Add the drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, then season the sauce with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, giving it time to thicken slightly.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicken and pasta are well-coated in the flavorful sauce.

Garnish with freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.