If you’re looking for a dinner that strikes the perfect balance between comfort, elegance, and downright deliciousness, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your new go-to recipe. Imagine tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and penne pasta all bathed in a creamy Parmesan sauce with just the right touch of spice – it’s a dish that truly lives up to its romantic name. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or craving a cozy night in, this showstopping pasta makes every bite feel like a love letter to your taste buds.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how such an impressive dish comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one brings something special, creating an unforgettable pasta you’ll want to make again and again.

Penne pasta: This sturdy pasta holds the creamy sauce perfectly without getting mushy—feel free to substitute with another short pasta if you prefer.
Olive oil: The key for searing the chicken and adding richness and flavor to the base of the sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into strips for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness in every bite.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta water—never skip it!
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth, balancing the creamy elements.
Italian seasoning: A simple way to infuse herbs and round out the flavors—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic provides aromatic magic that forms the backbone of the entire dish.
Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to wake up your palate without overwhelming the other flavors.
Chicken broth: Scrapes up all those flavorful browned bits, adding a savory foundation to the sauce.
Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly silky, lush sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, savory notes and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their sweet-tangy punch brings a burst of flavor and gorgeous color contrast.
Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and brings balance to the creamy elements.
Fresh basil: Adds an irresistibly fresh, aromatic finish and a pop of bright green color.
Extra Parmesan and basil: Don’t skip these for garnish—they offer texture, aroma, and restaurant-style flair.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente—usually a minute or two less than the package directions suggest. You want it firm enough to stand up to the rich sauce. Once done, drain and set aside. This gives you a head start and ensures the pasta doesn’t overcook later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken strips generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Arrange them in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes per side—this develops a gorgeous golden crust and locks in all those savory juices. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it handy for later.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Without wiping out the skillet (all those caramelized bits are flavor gold!), add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen is about to smell amazing. Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. This quick step forms the super-satisfying foundation for your Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. The sauce will look indulgently creamy and speckled with pops of color. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it gently thickens—enough to coat the back of a spoon. The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken (plus any delicious juices) to the skillet, then add your drained penne pasta. Give everything a careful toss so that the pasta and chicken are totally surrounded by that luxurious sauce. Let it all simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and perfectly blended.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Right before serving, stir in the freshly chopped basil for a burst of flavor. Pile the Marry Me Chicken Pasta into bowls, and shower each serving with extra Parmesan and basil for vibrant color and the ultimate finishing touch.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

To really make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta look as decadent as it tastes, go wild with garnishes. A generous sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan adds salty richness, while freshly torn basil releases its aromatic oils right before hitting the plate. For a pretty color contrast, you could even add a few more chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top. This not only looks gorgeous but intensifies that signature flavor in each bite.

Side Dishes

This pasta dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it absolutely shines alongside the right sides. I recommend serving your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a simple green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty garlic bread is another favorite for soaking up every last drop of sauce. If you want to keep things extra light, roasted asparagus or green beans are both fantastic choices.

Creative Ways to Present

Amp up the wow-factor by plating Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow serving bowls, nestling each chicken strip neatly on top, and drizzling a little extra sauce over everything. For family-style dining, pile it onto a big platter, then pass plenty of Parmesan and basil at the table so everyone can garnish their own. For a romantic dinner, serve individual portions with a side of heart-shaped garlic toasts or two glasses of crisp white wine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta, rejoice! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen with time, making your next meal even more satisfying.

Freezing

While creamy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can still freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your pasta to a saucepan or skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Stir gently until hot and creamy again. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent the sauce from splitting.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape in this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne is classic for Marry Me Chicken Pasta, but you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. Just aim for a shape that holds onto the sauce.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t readily available, try roasted red peppers or even halved cherry tomatoes for bursts of color and sweet tang. Just adjust to your personal taste.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

Definitely! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter but still creamy consistency. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still delicious.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then toss everything together with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to eat. Just warm the sauce gently before combining to keep everything velvety.

Does this recipe work with rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just add the cooked chicken to the sauce after it’s thickened, then proceed as written. It shaves off some cook time and works beautifully in Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Final Thoughts

This recipe truly proves that memorable meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a few steps and a handful of bold flavors, Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes together in a way that feels both comforting and a little bit magical. If you haven’t tried it yet, trust me—one bite is all it takes to fall head over heels. Happy cooking!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Tender chicken strips, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce:

3 garlic cloves (minced)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¾ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)

Garnish:

Extra Parmesan and basil for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sear the chicken: Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in olive oil until cooked through; set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add broth, cream, Parmesan, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer until thickened.
Combine everything: Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss in the sauce and simmer until heated through.
Finish and serve: Stir in fresh basil and garnish with Parmesan and basil before serving.