If you are searching for a comforting, creamy, and irresistibly delicious meal to make any day special, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is calling your name. Imagine tender pieces of seasoned chicken perfectly cooked and tossed with al dente penne pasta, all drenched in a rich, cheesy sun-dried tomato sauce that bursts with flavor in every bite. This dish has a way of making people smile, with its lush texture and vibrant colors, making it not just a dinner but a delightful experience that could easily become a new family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe relies on a handful of simple, classic ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Each item plays a critical role: from the juicy chicken pieces bringing protein and substance, to the penne pasta that holds the creamy sauce beautifully, and the sun-dried tomatoes lending bursts of tangy sweetness that cut through the richness.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken: Choose chicken breast for tender, lean protein that cooks evenly.
- 10 ounces penne pasta: Its tubular shape traps the creamy sauce, providing perfect flavor bites.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick that enhances the dish’s depth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken to a golden finish.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce, boosting its silkiness.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Builds the sauce’s savory foundation and keeps it light.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a luscious, velvety texture.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Adds sharp, salty flavor to the sauce and a bit of richness.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained: Brings a concentrated tangy sweetness and chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers gentle warmth and an inviting color to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that ties all flavors together seamlessly.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Provides a splash of vibrant green and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prepare the Chicken
Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches perfect al dente. While that’s cooking, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season them well with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest while you move on to the mouthwatering sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add in the freshly minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant—this step unlocks amazing flavor as garlic gently simmers in butter. Next, whisk in flour to form a smooth paste; this will thicken the sauce perfectly. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, whisking steadily to prevent lumps. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning for that signature flavor boost. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens to a creamy, dreamy consistency.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Now, it’s time to bring all the components together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add your drained penne pasta. Stir everything gently to ensure each piece of pasta and chicken is luxuriously coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of pasta water or additional broth. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra parmesan for that perfect final touch.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil not only adds gorgeous vibrant color but also imparts a refreshing herbal brightness to balance the rich sauce. Don’t forget extra parmesan cheese to delight anyone who loves that nutty, salty cheese flavor enhancing every bite.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides like a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to add crunch and earthiness. You might also serve it alongside garlic bread, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with whole basil leaves or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Serving family style in a large, beautiful dish invites everyone to dive in together, creating a warm communal vibe ideal for dinner parties or cozy nights in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the creamy goodness again with minimal effort.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce mixture separately from the pasta. Freeze each in sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to two months. This way, you preserve those flavors and textures for whenever you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess and prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the sauce silky smooth and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more moisture and richness due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through but still juicy.
Is sun-dried tomatoes in oil better than dry-packed?
Either works well, but oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes tend to be more tender and flavorful. If using dry-packed, soak them briefly in warm water to rehydrate before adding to the sauce.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce may be less thick and creamy. Adding a bit more flour or reducing the broth helps maintain texture.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is excellent for meal prep since it reheats beautifully, making it a perfect option for busy weekdays or packed lunches.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its comforting creaminess, flavorful chicken, and that subtle sunshine sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy enough for any night of the week, yet special enough to impress your loved ones. Give it a go and watch it become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. You won’t regret it!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with penne pasta, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sun-dried tomato sauce. The flavorful sauce clings to each pasta piece, creating a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Garnished with fresh basil, this recipe is sure to impress and delight anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 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 if large pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 ounces penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons butter and melt over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir continuously to form a smooth paste and cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, followed by 1 cup heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth. Add 1 cup grated parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and the sauce is thickened and creamy.
- Flavor the Sauce: Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Allow everything to heat together for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor; drain and chop if large.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Fresh basil adds a bright finish, but dried basil can be used in the sauce if fresh is unavailable.
- You can substitute penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or your favorite short pasta.
- Ensure the sauce simmers long enough to thicken; adjust by adding more flour or broth if needed.
