This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner that’s worthy of its famous name. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, rich Parmesan cream sauce, and savory sun-dried tomatoes come together in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a special date-night meal, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy Parmesan sauce
- Tender, juicy chicken in every bite
- Easy one-pan sauce preparation
- Perfect for weeknight dinners and entertaining
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes
- Restaurant-quality meal at home
- Ready in about 35 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, 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 Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth.
- Add the heavy cream and continue whisking until smooth.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add Flavor
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stir in the paprika and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked penne pasta.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Tips & Tricks
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente works best.
- Add spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the richest flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein
Notes
- Substitute rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
- Perfect for date nights and special occasions.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQ
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The dish is known for its incredibly rich and delicious flavor, often jokingly said to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs provide extra flavor and remain very juicy.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, rotini, and fettuccine all work beautifully.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so refrigeration is recommended over freezing.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Not recommended due to the cream sauce texture.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth.
Similar Recipes
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken 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 Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh basil chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth.
- Add the heavy cream and continue whisking until smooth.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add Flavor
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stir in the paprika and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked penne pasta.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- Substitute rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
- Perfect for date nights and special occasions.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, creamy Parmesan sauce, and savory sun-dried tomatoes into one unforgettable meal. It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.