I make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta when I want something creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich parmesan cream sauce come together in one irresistible dish. The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs creates a sauce that feels luxurious yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-style dish without much effort. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta beautifully, while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. I also enjoy how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy evenings. Another reason I keep making this dish is how well the sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly tangy, savory depth that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 10 ounces penne pasta 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1/2 teaspoon paprika
directions
I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, I drain it and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, then cook them in the skillet until they are golden brown and fully cooked. I remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I add the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute until fragrant. Then I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
Next, I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. I let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
I add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. After that, I return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Finally, I add the cooked pasta and toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. I finish the dish by sprinkling fresh basil on top before serving.
I sometimes swap the penne for fettuccine or rigatoni when I want a different texture. Another variation I enjoy is adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. When I want a slightly lighter sauce, I replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half. I also occasionally add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. This helps bring back the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
I sometimes use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They stay juicy and add a slightly richer flavor to the dish.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
I usually use penne because the sauce clings nicely to the tubes, but I also like using rigatoni, fettuccine, or rotini.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, I cook the pasta fresh and combine everything while reheating the sauce.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?
I add red pepper flakes mainly for a mild warmth. If I want a completely mild version, I simply leave them out.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
I sometimes substitute half-and-half for part of the heavy cream and reduce the parmesan slightly. The sauce stays creamy but becomes a bit lighter.
Conclusion
I enjoy making Marry Me Chicken Pasta whenever I want a comforting meal that feels special without requiring complicated steps. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes create a dish that is rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. It is one of those recipes I keep returning to because it always delivers great flavor with simple ingredients.
A creamy and comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich parmesan cream sauce flavored with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
10 ounces penne pasta
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Finish by sprinkling fresh basil over the top and serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Penne can be replaced with rigatoni, fettuccine, or rotini.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the dish.
When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to restore the creamy texture.
