If you’re looking for a dish that feels fancy without the fuss, you have to try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite—trust me, this pasta has that irresistible charm that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or aiming to impress someone special, this recipe hits all the right notes. Stick around, and I’ll share all my best tips to make it absolutely perfect for you.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Flavorful: The sauce balances richness from cream and parmesan with the tang of sun-dried tomatoes for an unforgettable taste.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it’s about 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Versatile: Use penne or sub your favorite pasta shape, and adjust seasoning to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I’ve made this, family and friends have raved — it’s simply irresistible.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is how well these ingredients come together. From tender chicken to Parmesan-rich sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, each component plays a key role in flavor and texture. A tip when shopping: pick good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—they bring a deeper, fresher taste that really elevates the sauce.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook evenly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Penne pasta: Its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly—don’t skip the pasta water if you fancy a looser sauce.
Salt and pepper: Season early to build layers of flavor.
Olive oil: A quality extra virgin oil adds subtle fruitiness while sautéing the chicken.
Butter: Brings richness and helps create the velvety sauce base.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aroma and depth—don’t rush this step or you’ll miss the magic!
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every bite.
Chicken broth: Adds savoriness without overwhelming the creaminess.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and luscious.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated if possible—it melts better and brings a sharper, nuttier punch.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring tang and richness; make sure to drain them well to avoid watery sauce.
Paprika: Gives a lovely subtle smokiness and color.
Dried Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil to lift the flavor.
Fresh basil: For garnish, adding a fresh, fragrant finish you’ll want to sprinkle generously.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find that little substitutions keep it exciting without losing the essence.

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and pasta; the sauce thickens just as nicely, and no one even notices the difference.
Add veggies: Sautéed spinach or mushrooms tossed in at the end add extra color and nutrition.
Swap chicken for shrimp: I’ve done this for a lighter twist, and it works like a charm—just cook shrimp a bit less to keep them tender.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes kicked into the sauce wakes up flavor if you like a bit of heat.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Perfect Pasta

Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package instructions—usually about 10-12 minutes until al dente. I always recommend salting your pasta water well; it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Once cooked, drain it and set aside, but keep a little pasta water if you like your sauce a bit looser later on.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, then season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—it’s important not to crowd the pan, so cook in batches if needed. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes. Set the chicken aside; this pause keeps it juicy and tender.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter, then add minced garlic. Just a quick sauté for about 30 seconds releases the garlic’s fragrance without burning it. Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a paste—this is your roux that will thicken the sauce perfectly. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, keeping the mixture smooth and lump-free. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently so the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency; this usually takes around 3-5 minutes. Be patient here—this step brings everything together.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return your cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Mix everything well to ensure the pasta and chicken are coated evenly with that dreamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if you want. Finally, sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving for a burst of fresh, herbal brightness.

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Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in a single layer helps it brown nicely and stay juicy, avoiding steaming.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating from a block melts better and provides better flavor than pre-grated.
Simmer Gently: Let the sauce thicken on low heat – high heat can cause it to break or become grainy.
Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes Well: Excess oil or moisture can make the sauce watery; I like to pat them dry before adding.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my pasta with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving—it adds color and a fresh flavor that brightens up the whole dish. Sometimes, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil at the end adds a lovely silky finish, especially if you’re serving it family-style.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands out on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is always a welcome companion to mop up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this dish in shallow bowls with a basil leaf centerpiece and a twist of lemon zest on top—it adds a subtle zing and makes the plate pop visually. You could also sprinkle toasted pine nuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor that’s unexpected but delightful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I stash leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens overnight, so before reheating, I like to stir in a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up and bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing cooked pasta can be tricky, but this recipe freezes reasonably well if you slightly undercook the pasta to firm it up beforehand. Freeze in portion-sized containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop with a bit of extra liquid to avoid dryness.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth, cream, or water to prevent the sauce from sticking or drying out. Microwave works in a pinch, but low and slow on the stove keeps flavors intact best.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it holds the sauce well, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type, and remember to reserve some pasta water to adjust your sauce consistency if needed.
How can I make the dish lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy sauce. Also, adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini can bulk up the dish without extra richness.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary in this recipe?

Sun-dried tomatoes contribute a unique tangy sweetness and depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. If you don’t have them, roasted red peppers can work as a substitute, but the overall flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and make the sauce just before serving. Combine everything right before guests arrive to keep it fresh and creamy. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the sauce’s texture.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe turns out every single time—it’s become a household favorite because it’s simple, rich, and totally comforting. When I first tried making it, I was amazed at how restaurant-quality a dish I could whip up with just a handful of ingredients and some basic kitchen skills. If you’re craving something that feels special without a ton of hassle, this recipe’s your new best friend. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes “the one” you reach for again and again!