Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a weeknight hero in our house. I know the name sounds like a bold promise, but after my husband asked for seconds and then raided the fridge for leftovers the next day, I understood the hype. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast because the smell of the sauce is impossible to ignore.
This dish works because it takes simple ingredients and turns them into something that feels fancy without the extra work. The sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. My kids love the tender chicken, and I love that I can get this Marry Me Chicken Pasta on the table in under an hour.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
I always recommend using block parmesan cheese that you grate yourself. It melts much smoother than the pre-shredded bags which often have anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, getting the pasta water boiling first is the key to timing this meal perfectly so everything finishes together.
Step 1: 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 start the chicken.
Step 2: 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 to 8 minutes until no longer pink and golden brown on the outside. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Since this pasta is rich and creamy, I like to serve it with something fresh or crispy to balance the textures.
Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich: The acidity and crunch of the salad ingredients cut right through the rich cream sauce perfectly.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites: If you want to make it a truly hearty feast, these steak bites are a great protein addition to the table.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup: You can turn this into a full comfort meal spread by starting with a small cup of this soup.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: If your family loves this style, they will definitely want to try this variation next.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: For those days when you need a hands-off version of this flavor profile, this is the recipe to bookmark.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will naturally thicken up as it cools in the fridge.
When you reheat it, I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan. Warm it gently over medium-low heat to bring the creamy texture back without separating.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be much thinner and less rich.
How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
Make sure to lower the heat before adding the parmesan and stir it in gradually.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and stay very juicy.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed winner for busy nights when you need comfort food fast. It feels special enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a regular request at your dinner table.
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and whisk for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
