Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast; 10 ounces penne pasta; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoons garlic; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes; Fresh basil

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm embrace and tastes like a promise, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. Creamy, dreamy, and loaded with layers of flavor, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into a feast that’s both comforting and sophisticated. With tender golden chicken, luscious parmesan cream sauce, and the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes, each bite hints at something special — and maybe even life-changing. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy date night or to simply treat yourself!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Stunning results begin with simple yet essential ingredients. Every element in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings its own flavor, texture, or splash of color, working together to make a dish that’s truly unforgettable and so easy to pull together.

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless cuts cook up juicy and tender, making them perfect for soaking up the luxurious sauce.
Penne Pasta: The tube shape catches creamy sauce in every bite — you could swap with another short pasta if you wish, but penne’s a classic here.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky base for the sauce.
Garlic: A simple way to add bold, aromatic depth; fresh garlic works wonders in this recipe.
Chicken Broth: The savory backbone of the sauce, infusing all that wonderful, slow-cooked flavor in minutes.
Heavy Cream: Brings decadent creaminess; don’t skimp here if you want that signature Marry Me Chicken Pasta velvety texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and perfectly melty, parmesan ties everything together and gives the sauce its irresistible finish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet, chewy, and just a little tart — these bring the punchy pop that sets this dish apart.
Fresh Basil: Bright, peppery, and aromatic, just a sprinkle of basil wakes up every flavor beautifully when serving.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, so it holds up when you toss it with the velvety sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside — don’t forget to reserve a splash of the pasta water if you want to adjust the sauce’s consistency later!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then lay the chicken in a single layer. Let each side get beautifully golden and sear in the juiciness, cooking for about 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink inside. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it warm for later.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

In that same skillet, melt the butter to pick up all the tasty bits left behind from the chicken. Sauté your minced garlic for just about thirty seconds — you want it fragrant but not browned. Then, sprinkle in a touch of flour and gently whisk to combine, starting a roux that’ll thicken your sauce to perfection.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Dream

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly so there are no lumps. Gently stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Let everything blend together until you have a creamy, smooth sauce. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and any additional seasonings (a little extra pepper or Italian herbs if you like), then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up beautifully. The aroma at this stage will practically call everyone to the kitchen!

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the seared chicken (sliced or whole, your choice) to the skillet along with the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything so the pasta and chicken are coated in that luscious sauce. Let it cook together for another minute or two so every flavor fully mingles. Finally, top with fresh basil right before serving — and prepare for compliments all around with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a generous shower of freshly chopped basil. If you’re feeling extra elegant, add a few shavings of parmesan or even a small sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. A drizzle of good olive oil at the table brings out all the flavors and adds gorgeous shine.

Side Dishes

This dish is so satisfying it can stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad brings balance and freshness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is a perfect partner for swooping up extra sauce. Oven-roasted veggies, especially asparagus or broccolini, make a colorful, nutritious plate alongside Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta family-style in a big skillet or arrange it on individual plates for a date-night touch. For a rustic look, pile it into a wide bowl and top with plenty of basil. Hosting a dinner party? Try spooning the pasta into mini cups or ramekins for a fun appetizer-sized twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool fully, then pack them into airtight containers. Marry Me Chicken Pasta will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a dreamy make-ahead lunch to look forward to.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, let the pasta and chicken cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze portions for up to one month. The sauce may thicken when reheated, so keep that in mind — a splash of cream or broth can restore the original creamy magic.

Reheating

Reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir often and heat until just warmed through to keep the chicken juicy and the pasta tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is a classic choice for this dish, any sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine will catch the creamy sauce just as well.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

For elegant presentation, slice the cooked chicken breasts against the grain right before tossing with the pasta. This keeps the pieces juicy and makes serving extra easy.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

You bet! You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance, then simply boil fresh pasta and combine everything before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Is there a dairy-free option?

While the silkiness comes from cream and parmesan, you can try swapping in coconut cream and a vegan parmesan-style cheese for a dairy-free alternative. The result won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious and creamy.

How can I add veggies?

For a nutrient boost, stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped roasted peppers right before tossing the pasta with the sauce. They’ll sneak in more color and goodness without overpowering the main flavors.

Final Thoughts

Bring the magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta into your own kitchen and let it win over hearts, one creamy forkful at a time. It’s an easy, flavorful way to make any meal feel like a celebration. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature dish — I bet you’ll be asked for the recipe again and again!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan cream sauce. This recipe is sure to impress your loved ones!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast

For the Pasta:

10 ounces penne pasta

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons garlic
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes

For Garnish:

Fresh basil

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high, add chicken, and cook until no longer pink (6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan until smooth.
Finish the Dish: Add sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings; let simmer until thickened. Return chicken to skillet along with pasta; toss to combine. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian