Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked penne. It’s a comforting meal that feels special enough for date night but easy enough for any night of the week.

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 (Kerrygold recommended 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 and set aside.
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 and cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from skillet 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.
4. Step 4: Stir in the flour to form a paste, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir in drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Step 7: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water before adding.
• Substitute penne with rigatoni or farfalle for a different pasta texture.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving to keep the pasta from soaking up too much sauce.

What can I use if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can be a good substitute, though they will alter the flavor slightly.