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Reader-favorite ‘Marry Me Chicken’ made even better with tender penne pasta! The noodles hold the cheesy, sun-dried tomato sauce inside for a burst of flavor in each bite! It’s sure to win over anyone that tries it.
Besides this amazing marry me chicken pasta, if you’re looking for more skillet pasta dishes to add to the dinner rotation, try these! One-pot creamy chicken mushroom florentine, ground beef stroganoff, and Cajun chicken alfredo pasta!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This marry me chicken pasta is one of my favorite recipes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and ready in 30 minutes! Marry me chicken on its own is absolutely to die for, but even better when you add those tender penne noodles to soak up all the sauce!
The sauce in this recipe is a mouthwatering combination of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, cream, garlic, and delicious seasonings. It’s rich and creamy, but has an addictive tang because of the sun-dried tomatoes added. You’ll love it!
Everything You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dish that everyone will love! Marry me chicken pasta is creamy, tangy, savory, and so satisfying!
- Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Penne Pasta: Traps the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings give the marry me chicken pasta its first layer of flavor!
- Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken in.
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and adds creaminess.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best!
- Flour: To thicken up the sauce with.
- Chicken Broth: Adjusts the consistency of the sauce and also adds savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture. You can also use half and half as a lighter option.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds sharp, cheesy flavor and richness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and delicious, for that classic ‘Marry Me’ flavor!
- Paprika: Adds a bit of smoky warmth.
- Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Fresh Basil: Aromatic garnish that adds a pop of freshness!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
How to make this knockout dinner in just 30 minutes! My family loves marry me chicken pasta so much, it’s always in the dinner rotation.
- Cook Penne: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and then set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Cut Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Set Aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, and set it aside while you make the sauce.
Sauce
- Sauté Garlic, Make Roux: Return to the same skillet, then add the butter. Once it is melted, sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then add in the flour and stir to make a paste.
- Add Liquid Ingredients and Cheese: Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Stir in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmer: Simmer the sauce for a few minutes so it can thicken.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Then stir to coat the chicken and pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success
Marry me chicken pasta is really straightforward and simple to make, but here are a few extra tips to ensure you end up with perfection.
- Check the Temperature of Your Chicken: The best way to check if your chicken is done and keep it from overcooking is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. (74 degrees celcius)
- Add a Little Heat: Bring more warmth to the dish by sprinkling in red pepper flakes to taste!
- Use Freshly-Grated Cheese: I know it’s not quite as convenient, but if possible, use freshly grated Parmesan! It has better flavor and will melt more evenly into the sauce.
How to Store Marry Me Pasta
Everyone will love this marry me pasta so much that I doubt you will have leftovers. But in case you do, save and heat up your leftovers for a quick and satisfying lunch!
- In the Refrigerator: Keep leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop over medium-low heat, and you’re ready to go! Add a splash of cream if needed for moisture.
For Dipping in That Amazing Sauce:
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons 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
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Chicken Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, and set it aside while you make the sauce.
Sauce
- Return to the same skillet, then add the butter. Once it is melted, sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until it's fragrant. Add in the flour and stir to make a paste.
- Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes for it to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Stir to coat the chicken and pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you for making an easy recipe! We have kids and were able to balance making a nice dish tonight. For pregnant moms, I added less of the spices and it was delicious! One of the first- the first dish I’ve truly been able to enjoy pregnant. Thank you!!!
What caPam
Hi Pam, I am not sure of what your question is, can you resend it?
Very good! I added some red pepper flakes
How can anyone just make a single batch of this? I triple the recipe each time! It’s well-received at every potluck. I’ve tried adding asparagus for an extra crunch—yum! My go-to for large groups.
Just made this for dinner tonight and it was awesome! Everyone loved it and it was super easy. I forgot to add the flour after the butter melted so I just added it slowly to the other liquid ingredients and it turned out fine. I did let it simmer awhile to thicken. Will definitely make this again.
This was absolutely delicious. Flavors all blended together perfectly. I did use full fat Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream, and turned out perfect. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. A family favorite for sure.
Great substitution! Thanks for your review!
Is the nutrition info for one serving or the entire thing? Also this is rlly good
I’m so glad you like it! Yes, the nutrition is for one serving.
The recipe calls for 10oz pasta… a box of pasta is 16 oz… really need only 10?..
10 is what I used for the recipe but you are welcome to add more!
Loved This Recipe!
Can you Freeze left overs?
Great question! I think this would freeze great! Just make sure you store it in an airtight container made for the freezer!
My whole family loved this, exactly as written. Do you think it could be frozen?
Just made this dish and I have to say it is now My Favorite Pasta Dish! My picky husband even loved it. The sauce exploded with flavor and it was so easy to make. I did use left over rotisserie chicken breasts, and I added fresh spinach to the sauce before adding the pasta. I didn’t have fresh basil. I used my favorite spices. I think the sun-dried tomatoes add so much flavor to the cream sauce. Thank you Ms Alyssa for sharing this Keeper/Winner! I won’t want to go out for Italian Pasta any longer bc this recipe is The Best!!!
Sooooo goood. First time leaving a review for a recipe. Definitely deserved. Me personally I like a little less sun dried tomatoes. So only a quarter cup. But goodness I ate so much and got so full after a long day of intense work. I couldn’t stop lol. Had air fried garlic toast as a side paired perfectly!
This pasta dish is SO yummy!!! Will 100% make again
Awesome recipe but for my family, I added a head & half of chopped garlic, some chopped artichoke hearts and about a cup of chopped, fresh spinach. It’s now a favorite. Thanks! LOVE your site & all your wonderful ideas & recipes!
Thank you for the idea of artichoke hearts and spinach…it made this dish over the top!!! Love it!!!
Used rotisserie chicken and was delicious! Sundried tomatoes gives this a really great flavor , and I don’t really like them . Thank you – was easy too!