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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chunks of chicken with a rich, creamy parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s packed with comforting flavors, a touch of spice, and cheesy goodness in every bite. This dish is quick enough for a weeknight dinner and elegant enough for a special date night—hence its swoon-worthy name!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, italian-inspired
Keyword: creamy chicken pasta, date night pasta, marry me chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta
Servings: 6
Calories: 646kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Pasta:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 10 ounces penne pasta
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil chopped
  • Additional parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

  • Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
  • Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and drain them well before adding.
If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of cream or broth to restore creaminess.