Marry Me Chicken Pasta

When I first tried Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it felt like a warm hug on a plate. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fragrant basil created an unforgettable dish that made my heart skip a beat. Cooking this recipe brings back memories of cozy dinners with loved ones. It reminds me of the joy of sharing food and laughter around the table. This dish is not just about the flavors; it’s about the moments you create while enjoying it. What makes this recipe truly special is how it combines simple ingredients into something memorable. You’ll find that one bite is enough to make anyone fall in love—just like the name suggests.

Why make this recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a special night or simply want to impress someone with your cooking, this dish has you covered. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delightful sun-dried tomatoes makes it comforting yet sophisticated. It’s easy to make, so even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Plus, it’s a great way to bring people together around the dinner table.

How to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes.
3. Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in chicken broth, then heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens. Add parmesan and mix until melted.
4. Add Flavor: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
5. Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and toss the pasta into the sauce mixture until well coated.
6. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

How to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil. This dish goes well with a side salad or some crusty bread. A glass of white wine can also complement the flavors beautifully.

How to store Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creaminess.

Tips to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but this may change the creaminess.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Variation

For a lighter option, you can use grilled shrimp instead of chicken or replace the penne pasta with zucchini noodles. You can also swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and cook the chicken when you’re ready to serve. Just combine them right before serving.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

It’s best to avoid freezing pasta dishes as the texture of the pasta may change. However, you can freeze the sauce and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A comforting and sophisticated dish featuring creamy sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for impressing loved ones.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 680

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ lb penne pasta (8 oz)
• Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Method

 

Cooking

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in chicken broth, then heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens. Add parmesan and mix until melted.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and toss the pasta into the sauce mixture until well coated.
6. Top with fresh basil and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or crusty bread. Pair with a glass of white wine for best flavor.