Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce tossed with penne pasta. It’s perfect for an impressive weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something comforting yet elegant.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken, pounded to even thickness
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp pepper
• 10 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
• 3 tbsp butter (Kerrygold recommended for richness)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
• Fresh basil, torn just before serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 6–8 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to create a paste.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta into the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and optional extra Parmesan cheese before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor and a richer sauce.
• Pound the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly and remains tender.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the sauce’s texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid overheating to prevent the cream from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor and moisture. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then refrigerate separately. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve, then combine everything and heat through for best texture.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 115 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy skillet dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces, al dente penne pasta, and a luscious sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce. This comforting and flavorful dinner combines buttery garlic sauce with the subtle heat of paprika and aromatic Italian seasoning, finished with fresh basil for a vibrant touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the chicken:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp pepper

For the pasta:

• 10 oz penne pasta

For the sauce:

• 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
• 3 tbsp butter (I use Kerrygold for richness)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)

For the garnish:

• fresh basil (torn just before serving)
• additional Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until they are no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to make a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Using Kerrygold butter adds extra richness to the sauce.
4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and pasta well in the creamy sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving. The fresh basil adds a burst of color and fresh flavor to the rich pasta.

Notes

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
• Kerrygold butter is recommended for a richer, creamier sauce but regular unsalted butter works well too.
• Be sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Cook pasta al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after combining all ingredients.
• Fresh basil should be torn and added at the end to maintain its bright flavor and color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, One Skillet Pasta, Italian Dinner