Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich parmesan cream sauce with savory sun-dried tomatoes come together in one irresistible meal. If you’re looking for a creamy chicken pasta recipe that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe deserves a spot on your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy parmesan sauce with incredible flavor.
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
- Family-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for one minute to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted.
- Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything until evenly coated in the creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft after mixing with the sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Use chicken thighs for even juicier meat.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Adjust the sauce consistency with a splash of chicken broth if needed.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Nut-Free
Notes
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Substitute rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine if desired.
- Fresh basil adds the best finishing flavor.
- Add extra Parmesan before serving for an even richer finish.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 670
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
FAQ
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe completely and refrigerate for up to 3 days before reheating.
What pasta works best?
Penne is ideal, but rigatoni, rotini, bow ties, or fettuccine also work well.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, although cream-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing. Stir well while reheating.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Allow it to simmer for several extra minutes or stir in a little more grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or peas pair beautifully with this creamy chicken pasta.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Similar Recipes
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy & Easy Family Dinner
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for one minute to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted.
- Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything until evenly coated in the creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Substitute rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine if desired.
- Fresh basil adds the best finishing flavor.
- Add extra Parmesan before serving for an even richer finish.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers everything you could want in a comforting dinner: juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a luxuriously creamy parmesan sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re making an easy pasta dinner for the family or serving guests, this flavorful chicken pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.