If you are craving a dish that is creamy, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This dish effortlessly combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky sauce loaded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese, creating a meal so delicious you might just find yourself thinking about it long after the last bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s called Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe—it’s that good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small pieces of cooked white chicken with light brown sear marks. The chicken pieces are scattered evenly on a baking tray with some brown juices and slight oil stains. The texture looks soft and slightly shiny. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role, working together to create layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the hearty chicken to the fragrant sun-dried tomatoes and the creamy sauce, each component is simple but essential.

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy bites.
10 ounces penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto all that luscious sauce.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the chicken seasoning.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
3 tablespoons butter: Creates the rich base for the flavorful sauce.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory umami and helps build the sauce’s body.
1 cup heavy cream: Brings indulgent creaminess and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce, offering a nutty, salty finish.
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained: Delivers bursts of intense tomato flavor and beautiful color.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone that makes the sauce extra special.
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: Aromatic herbs tie all the flavors together harmoniously.
Fresh basil (for garnish): Provides a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside. This step is key because the pasta will soak up the luscious sauce later, so cooking it just right makes all the difference.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Take your chicken cut into 1-inch pieces and season it well with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is essential because it lays the foundation for juicy, flavorful bites in every forkful of your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the pieces are golden and cooked through with no pink remaining. This step seals in the juices, making your chicken tender and flavorful, which is indispensable to the dish’s success. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—that garlic aroma will make your kitchen smell irresistible. Stir in the flour to make a paste, cooking for a minute to remove the raw taste. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, creating a silky smooth sauce.

Step 5: Enhance the Sauce

Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. These ingredients bring vibrant color and complex flavor layers that make this sauce the heart of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Combine and Coat

Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, gently stirring them into the sauce so every piece is coated in creamy deliciousness. This melding of flavors is where the magic happens—each bite bursting with garlic, cheese, tomato, and herbs.

Step 7: Garnish

Finish off by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese. The fresh basil adds a lovely herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce, making your dish look as wonderful as it tastes.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta showing three main layers: the bottom layer with smooth, slightly orange creamy sauce, the middle layer of pale yellow penne pasta mixed evenly, and the top layer with chunks of white chicken, small pieces of dark red sun-dried tomatoes, and green spinach leaves scattered throughout; the dish is sprinkled lightly with black pepper. On the right side, a wooden spoon is partly dipped in the pasta with some sauce on it. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark red cloth partly visible below. A small wooden bowl with green herbs is in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley to add a fresh, vibrant touch to your plate. A little extra grated parmesan right on top will add a salty, nutty kiss to every forkful. These simple garnishes elevate both presentation and flavor, making your meal feel like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread are fantastic sides that complement the flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls to showcase the rich sauce and tender chicken. For a fun twist, try serving it in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or alongside grilled polenta rounds for a playful, elegant presentation that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish tastes fantastic reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta and chicken mixture for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it right up.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle would work beautifully too, offering different textures and bite experiences.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly but it can still be deliciously creamy!

How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

This recipe is mild with a warm, smoky undertone from the paprika and Italian seasoning. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance and keep them refrigerated. When you’re ready to eat, simply make the sauce and combine everything for a quick, fresh finish.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and chicken perfectly, enhancing each bite without overpowering the flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is like treating yourself to a little bit of restaurant magic right at home. It’s indulgent, comforting, and packed with flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find yourself falling in love all over again with a pasta dish.