Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish bursting with sun-dried tomato flavor. This comforting meal combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a luscious sauce that’s sure to impress any dinner guest. It’s a delicious choice for a special weeknight dinner or when you want to treat yourself.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp pepper
• 10 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
• 3 tbsp butter (I use Kerrygold for richness)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
• fresh basil (torn just before serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Step 5: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Pound the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly and stays tender.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne works well because it holds the sauce nicely, but you can substitute it with rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine based on your preference.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting when reheating?

Reheat the pasta gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a little extra cream or broth before warming can help maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.