Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Try This Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tonight

Succulent chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, sun-dried tomato marry me chicken pasta will seduce your taste buds with every single bite.

This irresistible dish brings together bold Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken bathed in a luscious sauce promises pure culinary romance.

Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs add depth and complexity to each mouthwatering forkful.

The recipe combines simplicity with sophisticated flavors that make dinner feel like a special occasion.

Rich, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, this pasta promises to steal hearts and create lasting memories at the dinner table.

One taste, and you’ll understand why it earned its charming nickname.

FAQs

  • What makes the chicken tender and juicy?

Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking and browning it in a hot skillet helps lock in moisture and creates a flavorful exterior, ensuring the meat stays tender and delicious.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells. The key is choosing a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

  • Is sun-dried tomato essential for the recipe?

While sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor, you can omit them if you don’t have them or prefer a different taste. The dish will still be creamy and delicious.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Romance in Every Bite

  • Whip Up a Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making it perfect for picky eaters or adventurous cooks.
  • Master One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup with a single-pan cooking method that streamlines the entire preparation process, saving you time and energy in the kitchen.
  • Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Impress family and friends with a gourmet-style pasta dish that looks complicated but comes together in just a few simple steps.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredient Guide for Success

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Pieces: Tender protein that forms the heart of this delicious pasta dish.
  • Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that provides a satisfying base for the creamy sauce.
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy components that create a rich and luxurious sauce with deep flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a punch of savory flavor to the dish.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Spices that bring depth and complexity to the chicken and sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and concentrated tomato pieces that add a bright, intense flavor profile.
  • Fresh Basil: Herb that provides a fresh, aromatic garnish to finish the dish.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Chicken Broth, Flour: Essential ingredients for cooking the chicken and creating a smooth, thickened sauce.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Your Stepwise Cooking Guide

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook penne pasta following the package directions.

Drain completely and set the pasta aside, ready for the next stage of deliciousness.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Sprinkle chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring every morsel gets fantastic flavor coverage.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and cook briefly.

Gradually whisk in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 6: Enhance Sauce Flavors

Stir in these delightful ingredients:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning

Cook until the sauce thickens and develops rich, complex flavors.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Gently mix to coat each piece with the luxurious sauce.

Step 8: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.

Toss everything together until pasta is completely covered in the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top just before serving.

Enjoy your irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Dish

  • Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender texture.
  • Whisk broth and cream slowly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth sauce.
  • Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
  • Use freshly chopped basil just before serving to maximize aromatic qualities and bright taste.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.

New Flavors for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Night

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, seared and seasoned similarly for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce, maintaining the creamy texture.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, savory flavors.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a creamy, dairy-free sauce.

Serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta for Special Dinners

  • Romantic Date Night Centerpiece: Impress your partner by serving this creamy pasta in elegant white plates with soft candlelight nearby, creating an intimate dining atmosphere.
  • Weekend Family Feast: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to transform the recipe into a hearty meal everyone will love and devour quickly.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the rich, creamy sauce and sun-dried tomato flavors perfectly.
  • Leftover Lunch Makeover: Pack remaining pasta in airtight containers for a delicious next-day lunch, which tastes even more flavorful after the ingredients have melded overnight.

Storage Advice for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Leftovers

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta and chicken are completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pack the dish in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate sauce and pasta if possible to maintain better texture when thawing.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or extra cream to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent marry me chicken pasta tempts with irresistible Italian-inspired flavors that promise culinary romance. Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken create a passionate meal sure to enchant you at first bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces

Pasta:

  • 10 ounces penne pasta

Seasonings:

  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

Cooking Fat:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare penne pasta according to package directions at al dente, then drain and reserve.
  2. Thoroughly season chicken pieces with salt and ground black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, approximately 375°F, and sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest while maintaining skillet heat.
  5. Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low and melt butter, then add minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
  6. Sprinkle flour into the skillet, stirring continuously for 60 seconds to create a roux, preventing any burning.
  7. Gradually pour chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking consistently to create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps.
  8. Incorporate parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning, stirring until sauce thickens and develops rich flavor, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  9. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious sauce.
  10. Add reserved pasta to the skillet, tossing carefully to ensure even sauce distribution.
  11. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Customize the protein by swapping chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or using shrimp for seafood lovers.
  • Reduce calories by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choosing whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
  • Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta.
  • Enhance meal prep by cooking extra chicken and sauce, which can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick future meals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 519 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 394 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 106 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star