Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe takes the internet-famous classic and elevates it with a creamy, rich pasta twist. You get all the beloved flavors of the original – tender chicken in a luscious, sun-dried tomato sauce – now perfectly paired with your favorite pasta. It is a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that tastes gourmet. Prepare for a creamy, tangy, and incredibly flavorful experience that everyone will adore!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish is a game-changer for busy parents and beginners alike. You will quickly understand why this creamy chicken pasta is a must-try.

• Quick and Easy: It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Irresistible Flavor: The sun-dried tomato sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with savory goodness.
• Versatile: Ideal for a cozy family dinner or impressive enough for special occasions.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It offers a gourmet taste with the warmth and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Ingredients

Creating this amazing Marry Me Chicken Pasta requires simple, accessible ingredients. These components combine to form a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful, making it perfect for any dinner table.

• For the Chicken & Pasta:
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 10 ounces penne pasta
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple changes.

• Chicken: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer flavor profile.
• Pasta: Rigatoni, farfalle, or even fettuccine are excellent alternatives to penne.
• Cream: For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
• Cheese: Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese can offer a sharper, distinct taste.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Always use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; drain them well before chopping.
• Spices: Adjust the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant kick.

Equipment

You won’t need any fancy gadgets to prepare this delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick.

• Large skillet or Dutch oven for the chicken and sauce.
• Large pot for cooking the pasta.
• Whisk to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping ingredients.
• Meat thermometer is optional but helpful for ensuring perfectly cooked chicken.

Instructions

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create a phenomenal Marry Me Chicken Pasta that will impress everyone. This process is designed for beginners and busy cooks alike.

1. Prepare Pasta: Cook the 10 ounces penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Cook Chicken: Cut 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure the chicken is no longer pink and is thoroughly cooked through.
4. Set Aside Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set it aside. This prevents the chicken from overcooking while you build the sauce.
5. Start Sauce Base: Return to the same skillet. Add 3 tablespoons butter and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, sauté the minced 2 teaspoons garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
6. Make Roux: Stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour with the butter and garlic. Continue stirring for one minute to create a smooth paste, which is called a roux.
7. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream until well combined and smooth. Whisking continuously helps prevent lumps.
8. Incorporate Cheese & Flavor: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the drained 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Taste the sauce and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Thicken Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
10. Combine: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the chicken and pasta are fully coated in the luxurious Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce.
11. Garnish & Serve: Garnish the dish generously with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easy with these simple tips. These suggestions help ensure your dish is always flavorful and perfectly cooked.

• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer, then remove it promptly.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts smoother and offers a much richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer or create a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) and stir it in.
• Add Heat: For those who enjoy a little spice, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
• Season as You Go: Always taste your sauce before combining everything. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to truly make the flavors sing.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for various occasions. Learn how to serve it, store leftovers, and even create exciting new versions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this creamy chicken pasta with warm, crusty bread like focaccia or garlic knots for dipping.
• Pair it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Complement the meal with simply steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

Storage Instructions

• Allow the Marry Me Chicken Pasta to cool completely before storing it.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, cooked meat and poultry leftovers are generally safe to refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
• When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
• Add a small splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce.
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or sliced Italian sausage for a unique twist.
• Spice It Up: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder for more heat.
• One-Pot Method: For even quicker cleanup, adapt the recipe to cook the pasta directly in the sauce (you will need to adjust the liquid amount).

Nutrition Information

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is provided for general guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

• Can I prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
• How do I make the sauce thicker? If your sauce isn’t thick enough, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a teaspoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.
• Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is generally not recommended for this recipe. Dairy-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed, affecting the texture.
• What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use? Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are best for this recipe. Drain them thoroughly and chop them before adding to the sauce.
• Is this recipe spicy? This dish is mild as written, but you can easily add heat. Simply sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the other seasonings.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a fantastic recipe that truly lives up to its name. It is incredibly easy to make, delivering a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal in under an hour. Whether you are a beginner cook or a busy parent, this ultimate comfort food will quickly become a cherished family favorite. Give this adaptable and crowd-pleasing dish a try, and prepare for a wave of delicious compliments!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta features tender chicken and penne in a rich parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 850

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons 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

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Pot
• Whisk
• Plate

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions, then drain and set it aside.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until done.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
5. Return to the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant; stir in flour to create a paste.
6. Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese.
7. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens.
9. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal. Adjust seasoning to your taste.