Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with you because it s one of those dishes that feels special and homey all at once. When I first tried this recipe, I swear I couldn t stop smiling through dinner – the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and those bursts of sun-dried tomato flavor just hit all the right notes. Plus, it s a fantastic meal for busy weeknights when you want something that feels like a little celebration without hours in the kitchen.

You ll find that the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is super adaptable, too. Whether you re cooking for a cozy date night or a family dinner, it s got that wow factor to impress without stress. I love how the sauce clings to every piece of pasta and chicken – it s rich, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy from those sun-dried tomatoes. Trust me, you ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to nailing this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is using quality ingredients that balance creaminess, tang, and savory depth. I always keep these handy in my pantry and fridge because they blend together beautifully for that rich, comforting flavor.

• Boneless skinless chicken: Choose fresh or thawed chicken breasts for tender, juicy bites.
• Penne pasta: Penne holds sauce well, but feel free to swap for your favorite pasta shape.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all flavors in the dish.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken perfectly without burning.
• Butter: It adds richness and depth to the sauce s base.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives a punch of aromatic flavor.
• Flour: Used to thicken the sauce for that silky texture.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce light.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan brings nutty, savory notes that anchor the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: They infuse tangy sweetness and a chewy texture you ll love.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and color to the sauce.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A perfect medley of herbs that enhances the dish’s Italian vibe.
• Fresh basil: For garnish, adding brightness and freshness at the end.

Variations

I love how this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe invites customization, so don t hesitate to make it your own. Over time, I ve learned a few tweaks that work great, and you might enjoy trying them too!

• Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil: I sometimes drizzle a little of the oil from the jar into the sauce for extra richness and intense tomato flavor.
• Swap chicken for shrimp: This is a great twist if you prefer seafood; just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gives it a nice little kick that my family adores.
• Swap heavy cream: Lighten things up by using half-and-half or whole milk, but be mindful the sauce won’t be quite as thick.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prep the Chicken

Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it s al dente. Drain it well and set it aside – it s important not to overcook the pasta since it ll keep cooking a bit in the sauce later. While that s happening, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Getting this prep done upfront helps everything come together smoothly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it s hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer; you want to hear a good sizzle. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it s no longer pink inside and has a nice golden sear. Don t crowd the pan – if needed, cook in batches to avoid steaming. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (don t clean it – all those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the flour and whisk quickly to make a smooth paste – this is your base for a creamy sauce. Slowly pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring often, until it thickens to a luscious, coating consistency.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with your sauce. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to make sure every piece of pasta and chicken is luxuriously coated. Let it all warm through for a minute or two so the flavors meld. And that s basically it!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish along with a little extra parmesan if you re feeling fancy. This touch of fresh herbaceousness brightens the whole meal. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple but fresh for garnishes: chopped fresh basil leaves add the perfect herbaceous brightness, and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. Sometimes a touch of cracked black pepper on top really elevates the flavors right before serving.

Side Dishes

I like to serve this with something light and crisp, like a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is also a fantastic companion for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes plate this pasta in shallow bowls garnished with a basil sprig and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. It instantly makes the meal feel more restaurant-worthy. You could also serve it family-style in a beautiful serving dish to invite everyone to dig in and share the love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying as much as you can, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days. I find the creamy sauce can thicken in the cold, so you might want to stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it up and keep that silky texture.

Freezing

I ve frozen Marry Me Chicken Pasta successfully a few times, but I recommend freezing before adding fresh basil and cheese toppings to preserve their freshness. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftovers is on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk, stirring often to prevent the sauce from sticking or separating. You can also microwave, but reheat in shorter bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it s comfort food with a fancy twist – easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. I remember the first time I made it for my partner; needless to say, I earned some serious kitchen brownie points! I m confident you ll enjoy making and sharing this recipe just as much as I do. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a creamy, dreamy pasta dinner that might just become your new favorite.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 54 reviews

• Author: Jaden
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente penne pasta. This comforting meal combines Italian-inspired seasoning with a luxurious creamy texture, garnished with fresh basil for an aromatic finish.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 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
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 10 ounces of penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken: Cut 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and place on a plate.
3. Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour into the melted butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook this roux for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Add liquids and cheese: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, followed by 1 cup heavy cream. Stir continuously to combine and create a creamy sauce. Then add 1 cup grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
6. Flavor the sauce: Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency.
7. Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy tomato parmesan sauce.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese as desired. Serve the creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot for a delectable and comforting meal.

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Notes

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting properties.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, slightly tangy bite; be sure to drain them well to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or cream.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
• Calories: 646 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 962 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg