Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 leaves, chopped; Additional parmesan cheese

I absolutely love whipping up this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe whenever I want a meal that feels like a heartfelt hug on a plate. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a hint of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a rich and irresistible dish that I find myself coming back to time and again. The best part is how quickly it comes together without any complicated steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners with friends and family.

Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

What makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe so close to my heart is the perfect balance of flavors. The creamy parmesan sauce is silky and indulgent, but it’s beautifully offset by the slight chew and sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, along with the warmth of paprika and Italian seasoning. Every bite feels layered and comforting, with that satisfying chicken that’s cooked just right—moist and tender.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how surprisingly easy it is to prepare. I’m talking about a one-skillet sauce that comes together quickly once the chicken and pasta are ready, and that’s such a time-saver. Even if you aren’t a seasoned cook, the steps are straightforward, and yet the end result feels impressive enough to serve for date nights or casual dinner parties.

Lastly, it’s the versatility and crowd-pleasing nature of this dish that really makes it stand out. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or looking to impress guests, this pasta always hits the spot. It’s rich without being overwhelming, and pairs beautifully with simple sides, making it my go-to for so many occasions.

Ingredients You'll Need

This image shows a close-up of cooked penne pasta inside a perforated metal container. The pasta pieces are light yellow, smooth in texture, and arranged loosely in a single layer, filling the container. Each pasta piece is tube-shaped with ridges running lengthwise. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To pull off this dish, I stick to simple, quality ingredients that each play a vital role in the final taste, texture, and look. From the creamy cheese to the vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, each element compliments the others perfectly.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Chicken: I use boneless skinless pieces cut into bite-sized chunks to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Penne pasta: This shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making every forkful delicious.
Olive oil and butter: A duo that adds richness and the perfect base for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a fragrant depth that’s essential to the sauce.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce nicely without any lumps.
Chicken broth: Adds savory complexity and helps balance the creaminess.
Heavy cream and parmesan cheese: These create the velvety, cheesy sauce that makes this recipe so indulgent.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a sweet and tangy pop of flavor with a lovely chewy texture.
Seasonings: Paprika and dried Italian herbs infuse warmth and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Fresh basil: A bright, fresh garnish that lifts the whole dish in both color and flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Start by cooking 10 ounces of penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce. This way, everything stays fresh and warm when combined.

Step 2: Cut your chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Simple seasoning works best to let the sauce shine.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned, to release those gorgeous aromas.

Step 5: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour into the melted butter and garlic, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste—this is the base that will thicken your sauce beautifully.

Step 6: Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, followed by 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Keep whisking to prevent lumps and to help the cheese melt fully into the sauce.

Step 7: Stir in the drained 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes so it thickens and all the flavors come together.

Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything well until the chicken and pasta are thoroughly coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 9: Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.

Servings and Timing

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe serves approximately 6 hungry people generously. The prep time is about 10 minutes—mostly chopping and measuring—while cooking takes around 20 minutes. So, the total time from start to finish is a very manageable 30 minutes, making this dish perfect for busy evenings when you want something impressive but quick. There’s no resting or cooling time needed, which means you can dig in shortly after everything is done.

How to Serve This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of creamy penne pasta mixed with small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes and chunks of white cheese. The pasta is coated evenly in a thick, light orange sauce with visible black pepper sprinkled across the dish. Small bright green basil leaves are scattered throughout, adding a fresh contrast. The texture looks rich and smooth with the pasta shapes clearly visible. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is warm and appetizing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this pasta, I like to keep things simple but elegant. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly, adding freshness and a crunchy contrast to the rich sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the flavors beautifully and provide a nice color boost on the plate.

For garnishes, I highly recommend sprinkling extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves just before serving to brighten the dish. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even a few red pepper flakes can add a lovely finishing touch. I usually serve this warm and fresh from the stove to keep every bite silky and comforting.

As for drinks, this recipe pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, whose crispness counterbalances the creamy sauce nicely. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with lemon or a lightly brewed iced tea works well. This dish shines at family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a cozy date night at home, and the plating is perfect for generous portions that satisfy everyone’s appetite.

Variations

I love how flexible this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is when it comes to customization. For instance, if you want to switch up the protein, turkey or even shrimp work great cooked the same way, or for a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the chicken with hearty mushrooms or roasted cauliflower.

If you or anyone you’re cooking for needs gluten-free options, simply swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety and use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce. For a lighter or dairy-free version, I sometimes substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan—though the flavor shifts, it’s surprisingly good!

For different flavor profiles, adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or throwing in some sun-dried tomato pesto can elevate the taste beautifully. You could also experiment with fresh herbs, using thyme or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning. And for an extra smoky touch, a pinch of smoked paprika makes a delightful difference.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftovers in airtight containers once the dish has cooled to room temperature, which typically keeps the pasta tasting fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Using glass containers with tight seals works best to prevent spilling and maintain flavor integrity.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, too! I portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It stays good frozen for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture might soften slightly after thawing, but the flavors remain delicious and comforting.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but I do it in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken and pasta. Avoid overheating as it can cause the cream sauce to separate or the chicken to toughen.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully too. Just cook according to the package directions and add them to the sauce as instructed.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce components separately and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep the texture fresh and flavorful.

How spicy is this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

This recipe has a mild warmth mainly from the paprika and Italian herbs, but it’s not spicy hot. If you enjoy heat, you could easily add crushed red pepper flakes to taste during cooking or as a garnish.

Can I swap heavy cream for a lighter alternative?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won't be as rich or thick. To compensate, sometimes I add a little extra flour to help thicken the sauce when using lower-fat dairy.

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

If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes roasted or sautéed until soft, which adds natural sweetness and moisture, though the texture and tanginess will be a bit different.

Conclusion

I cannot recommend this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe enough for anyone who loves a comforting, creamy pasta that’s quick to make but feels like a special occasion. It’s my go-to whenever I want to impress with minimal effort, and it never fails to satisfy everyone at the table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over like I do!