Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta has become my secret weapon for impressive weeknight dinners. This creamy pasta combines tender chicken with sun-dried tomatoes in a rich parmesan sauce that’s so good, it might just inspire a proposal. I love how everything comes together in one skillet in about 40 minutes.

The first time I made this dish, I was running late and needed something special for dinner. I threw together what I had, and the result was pure magic. The sauce is luxuriously creamy without being heavy, and the sun-dried tomatoes add this perfect tangy-sweet flavor. What makes this marry me chicken pasta different from regular pasta dishes is how the sauce clings to every piece of penne, and the chicken stays incredibly juicy. Now it’s my go-to recipe when I want to feel like a chef without the stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Pasta

I always use fresh garlic and real parmesan for the best marry me chicken pasta. Pro tip: don’t skip the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes because they add so much more flavor than the dry kind.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced or cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (not half-and-half for best results)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 lb (8 oz) penne pasta
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Pro tip: I recommend grating your own parmesan rather than buying pre-grated. It melts so much smoother into the creamy sauce and tastes noticeably better in this marry me chicken pasta.

How to Make This Creamy Pasta Step by Step

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet (don’t wash it, that’s where the flavor lives), melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux that will thicken your sauce. The mixture should bubble and turn slightly golden.

Step 4: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream, still whisking. The sauce will start to thicken as it heats. Once it thickens, add the parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Step 5: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend all the flavors together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well but don’t rinse.

Step 7: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together gently until every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy goodness. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately.

Pro tip: If your sauce gets too thick, add pasta cooking water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. The starch from the pasta water helps the sauce cling better too.

Perfect Pairings for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This rich, creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with lighter sides that balance the richness.

Garlic Bread: Crusty Italian bread or homemade garlic bread is essential for soaking up every drop of that incredible parmesan cream sauce that makes this marry me chicken pasta special.

Green Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and cuts through the creamy richness perfectly.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus provide a slightly charred, earthy flavor that complements the tangy sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.

Caesar Salad: The classic pairing with any Italian-inspired pasta, the anchovy and garlic notes in Caesar dressing work perfectly with this dish.

Explore More Marry Me Chicken Favorites

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken with a luscious creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly. For a lighter take that’s equally satisfying, the Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. If comfort food in a bowl sounds appealing, the Amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers those same creamy, savory notes in soup form.

Looking for different preparation methods? The Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken lets the slow cooker do all the work while developing deep, rich flavors. For the original skillet version that started it all, check out the Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe that showcases the classic preparation technique.

Keeping Your Pasta Fresh

Store leftover marry me chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, which is completely normal.

When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce back up. Stir gently and heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but add a tablespoon of broth first and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Pro tip: You can freeze just the sauce without the pasta for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but whisking it while reheating brings it back together. Always cook fresh pasta when using frozen sauce for the best texture.

Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Questions Answered

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