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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

This beloved chicken penne dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes through the perfect combination of tender chicken and pasta in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes provide intense bursts of flavor while the sauce achieves incredible richness that coats every piece of pasta beautifully. The chicken stays perfectly juicy while absorbing all those amazing flavors. It's the kind of dish that feels special enough for company but easy enough for any night of the week!
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:08:18 GMT
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A bowl of penne pasta with pieces of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped parsley, all coated in a creamy sauce. Pin it
A bowl of penne pasta with pieces of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped parsley, all coated in a creamy sauce. | tasteofcook.com

My Marry Me Chicken Pasta started as a special date night recipe but quickly became our family favorite. The way those sun dried tomatoes dance with creamy sauce and tender chicken over perfectly cooked pasta it's pure magic in 30 minutes.

What Makes This Special

This dish hits all the right notes creamy tangy rich but not heavy. Those sun dried tomatoes add little bursts of flavor that make everything pop. Best part? It comes together so quick you've got time to make any night feel special.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: Two large cut into nice bites.
  • Penne: One pound cook it just right.
  • Olive Oil: Two tablespoons for golden chicken.
  • Garlic: Four cloves minced fine.
  • Butter: Two tablespoons makes it rich.
  • Flour: One tablespoon thickens things up.
  • Chicken Broth: One cup adds depth.
  • Heavy Cream: One cup pure luxury.
  • Parmesan: One cup freshly grated.
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes: Half cup sliced.
  • Seasonings: Paprika Italian herbs salt pepper.
  • Fresh Basil: Brightens everything up.

Let's Cook Together

Start With Pasta
Cook your penne save some water just in case.
Golden Chicken
Season those pieces well cook until just perfect.
Build Your Sauce
Butter garlic flour then broth and cream.
Add The Good Stuff
Parmesan tomatoes herbs let them mingle.
Bring It Home
Toss everything together let it get cozy.
Fresh Finish
Scatter basil maybe extra cheese because why not.

Keep It Fresh

Keeps beautifully in the fridge four days. Warm it slow add a splash of cream brings back all that silky sauce. Makes the best leftovers for lunch next day.

A bowl of creamy pasta with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Pin it
A bowl of creamy pasta with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. | tasteofcook.com

Make It Your Own

Try shrimp instead of chicken sometimes I use mushrooms for meatless nights. Like it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. Need gluten free? Just swap the pasta. Mix up your cheeses gruyere adds something special.

Perfect Partners

Some garlic bread on the side catches all that sauce. A crisp green salad keeps things light. Roasted veggies add color and goodness. Pour a glass of white wine makes everything fancy.

Quick Answers

Any pasta shape works pick your favorite. Make ahead just warm it up when ready. Freezes great skip the basil till serving. Want it lighter? Try half and half instead of cream.

Simply Amazing

Whether you're cooking for someone special family dinner or just treating yourself this pasta delivers every time. It's that perfect mix of simple and special that keeps everyone coming back for more.

A bowl of creamy penne pasta topped with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Pin it
A bowl of creamy penne pasta topped with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, anyone who tastes it will want to marry the cook. It's become a popular romantic dinner choice.
→ Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, any medium pasta shape works well. Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle all hold the sauce nicely.
→ What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes can work, though the flavor will be different. Sun-dried tomatoes provide unique sweetness and intensity.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats well. Add a splash of cream or broth when rewarming to maintain the creamy sauce texture.
→ How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Simmer gently and don't overheat when rewarming. Adding cream gradually while whisking helps create a smooth sauce.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy pasta dish with tender chicken pieces and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich parmesan sauce. Perfect for special dinners.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Boneless skinless chicken - 1 1/2 pounds.
02 Penne pasta - 10 ounces.
03 Salt - 1/2 teaspoon.
04 Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon.
05 Olive oil - 1 tablespoon.
06 Butter - 3 tablespoons.
07 Garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons.
08 All-purpose flour - 3 tablespoons.
09 Chicken broth - 2 cups.
10 Heavy cream - 1 cup.
11 Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 cup.
12 Sun-dried tomatoes, drained - 1 cup.
13 Paprika - 1 teaspoon.
14 Italian seasoning - 2 teaspoons.
15 Fresh basil for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare penne according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook in oil 6-8 minutes until done.

Step 03

Melt butter and cook garlic 30 seconds. Stir in flour to make paste.

Step 04

Whisk in broth, cream, and cheese. Add tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer until thick.

Step 05

Return chicken to pan with pasta. Stir to coat with sauce.

Step 06

Garnish with fresh basil and extra cheese if desired.

Notes

  1. Any medium pasta shape works well.
  2. Add cream gradually for smooth sauce.
  3. Can make ahead and reheat gently.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Pasta pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 646
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 41 g