Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Fast, Easy, and Utterly Irresistible!
This dish is so good, it might just lead to a proposal! Juicy, golden chicken and tender pasta come together in the most luxuriously creamy, cheesy sun-dried tomato sauce.
It’s all done in about 30 minutes, and it tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian spot.
Bold, comforting, and full of flavor without any fuss. Make it once and it’ll be on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this pasta, but that creamy, cheesy sun-dried tomato sauce might be my favorite part. Parmesan, cream, and Italian herbs make it rich and irresistible.
It’s also quick. Golden chicken and penne come together in about 30 minutes.
And it’s perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, and picky eaters alike.
Let’s cook!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is made with simple, flavorful ingredients.
- Chicken – boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Penne Pasta – catches all that creamy sauce.
- Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil – for searing the chicken.
- Butter, Garlic, and Flour – the base of the sauce.
- Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream – make it rich and creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese – adds nutty, cheesy flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – sweet, tangy, and the heart of Marry Me flavor.
- Paprika and Italian Seasoning – season the sauce.
- Fresh Basil – for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, cook the pasta. Cook the penne until al dente. Drain, saving a little pasta water.
Next, sear the chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Now make the sauce. Melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour, then slowly whisk in the broth, cream, and Parmesan until smooth. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning and simmer until thickened.
Then bring it together. Return the chicken, add the pasta, and stir well. Thin with pasta water if needed and season to taste.
Finally, serve. Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
That’s it! Pure comfort in 30 minutes.
Expert Tips
Save the pasta water. It’s perfect for thinning the sauce.
Don’t wash the pan. The browned bits add so much flavor to the sauce.
Whisk slowly. Adding the liquid gradually keeps the sauce smooth.
Let the sauce thicken. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Recipe Variations
I love this pasta as it is, but it’s easy to make your own.
Add crispy bacon or pancetta for extra protein.
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
For gluten-free, swap the flour for cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar or green salad.
Roasted asparagus is a lovely side.
Recipe FAQs
1. Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
Because it’s so good, it might just lead to a proposal!
2. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless thighs work well.
3. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Rigatoni, fusilli, or bow ties are great.
4. How do I thin the sauce?
Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free pasta.
You May Also Love
If this Marry Me Chicken Pasta has you craving more creamy pasta dinners, here are a few more favorites I think you’ll enjoy. They’re all easy and comforting.
- Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup – all the Marry Me flavor in a cozy soup.
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta – a quick, creamy pasta.
- One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta – bright, cozy, and ready in one pan.
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – bold Cajun flavor in a creamy pasta.
- Easy Spicy Chicken Rigatoni – creamy, cheesy pasta with a little kick.
Save a few of these for later, and you’ll always have something delicious to make!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 oz penne pasta
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Hold back a little pasta water just in case you want a thinner sauce!)
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt & pepper.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.Transfer to a plate. (No need to wash the pan—this is where the magic happens!)
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.Sprinkle in flour, whisking to make a paste.Slowly whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning.Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up. (It should coat the back of a spoon!)
Step 4: Bring it All Together
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in that creamy goodness.Add the cooked pasta and stir well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.Taste and season with salt & pepper as needed.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve!
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra parmesan (because you can never have too much!).Serve hot and watch everyone fall in love with this dish!
