Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dinner that wins people over fast. It is creamy, cozy, and packed with bold flavor, yet it comes together in just 30 minutes. That makes it a smart pick for busy weeknights, date nights at home, or anytime you want a meal that feels special without a lot of fuss.

• Quick and easy: This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta uses simple steps and everyday ingredients, so even beginner cooks can pull it off with confidence. The pasta cooks while the sauce comes together, which helps save time.
• Rich, comforting flavor: Cream, parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes create the signature flavor that makes Marry Me Chicken so popular. Every bite tastes creamy, savory, and just a little tangy.
• Great for many eaters: This Creamy Chicken Pasta works well for families, students, and working professionals. You can also adjust the spice, swap the pasta, or use lighter ingredients if needed.
• Filling and satisfying: With chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce, this dish delivers a hearty meal that keeps hunger in check. It is a strong choice for anyone who wants a balanced dinner that still feels indulgent.

When you want a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but still fits a normal weeknight, this Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a total win.

If you enjoy comforting chicken dinners, you may also like this easy homemade cookie recipe for a sweet finish after dinner, or browse more cozy ideas on the site after you save this pasta for later.

Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe uses a short list of simple ingredients, but each one plays a big role in the final flavor and texture. Here is everything you need, listed clearly so you can gather it all before you start cooking.

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil for garnish

What Each Ingredient Does

Special Dietary Options

• Vegan: Use plant-based chicken, dairy-free butter, unsweetened oat cream, vegetable broth, and vegan parmesan.
• Gluten-free: Swap the penne for gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Low-calorie: Try light cream or evaporated milk, reduce the parmesan slightly, and use a smaller portion of pasta with extra chicken.

For more food facts while you cook, you can read about the health benefits of chicken and the health benefits of sun-dried tomatoes.

How to Prepare the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide

This Chicken Pasta Recipe is easy to follow, and the steps move quickly once the pan heats up. Have all ingredients measured first, since the sauce comes together fast once you start cooking. If you want a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time, but the recipe still tastes fantastic without that extra step.

First Step: Cook the pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 10 ounces penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Keep it nearby so you can add it to the sauce later without delay. If you are using gluten-free pasta, watch it closely because it can soften faster than regular penne.

Second Step: Season and cook the chicken

Cut 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then, until it is no longer pink on the inside.

For the safest result, use a meat thermometer and check that the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This small step helps you avoid undercooked chicken while keeping the meat juicy.

Third Step: Start the sauce

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour and cook briefly to form a paste. This helps thicken the sauce later and gives the pasta that cozy, creamy finish everyone loves.

Fourth Step: Add the liquid ingredients

Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Keep whisking so the sauce turns smooth instead of lumpy. Let the mixture start to bubble gently, then lower the heat a bit so it simmers without scorching.

A smooth sauce is the secret to great Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Take your time when adding the broth and cream, and the texture will reward you.

Fifth Step: Build the signature flavor

Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy bite, while the paprika and herbs add warmth and depth. If you like a little kick, this is the best time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Sixth Step: Simmer until thick

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, so use it if you can. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

Seventh Step: Combine everything

Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Stir well so every piece gets coated in the creamy sauce. This is where the dish really comes together and starts looking like the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta you have seen on social media and recipe sites.

Final Step: Garnish and serve

Spoon the pasta into bowls or onto plates and finish with fresh basil for garnish. Add a little extra parmesan on top if you want more cheesy flavor. Serve it hot while the sauce is silky and the pasta is tender. This dish works beautifully for family dinner, date night, or even meal prep for the next day.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

this …

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

If you want to change the protein in this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken pasta, you have plenty of easy options. Boneless chicken thighs work well if you want a richer, juicier bite. You can also use turkey breast, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken pieces. For a seafood twist, cooked shrimp can be folded in at the end, though the cooking time will be shorter.

For the pasta, penne is a classic choice, but rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine can work too. If you need a gluten-free version, choose a sturdy gluten-free pasta shape that can handle the creamy sauce.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to make the dish feel even heartier. If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a little less rich. For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes, extra garlic, or a squeeze of lemon at the end.

For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or an unsweetened plant cream with vegan parmesan. If you are watching sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the added salt a bit. That way, you can still enjoy a creamy chicken pasta with a flavor profile that fits your needs.

Mastering Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you have made this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe a few times, you can start playing with the details. Little changes can shift the flavor from classic and cozy to bold and spicy, which makes this dish fun to revisit again and again.

Pro cooking techniques

Do not overcrowd the chicken in the skillet. Cook it in a single layer so the pieces brown a little instead of steaming. Browning adds extra flavor to the final dish. Also, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil so the cream stays smooth and the parmesan does not clump.

Flavor variations

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili crisp. For a deeper herb flavor, add fresh thyme or a little parsley with the basil. If you love extra tomato flavor, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic before adding the broth.

Presentation tips

Twirl the pasta into shallow bowls and top with the chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and extra parmesan. A final sprinkle of black pepper also looks nice. Simple plating makes the dish feel special without adding any work.

Make-ahead options

You can cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it, or make the sauce earlier in the day and reheat it gently before tossing everything together. If you are serving guests, cook the pasta just before dinner so it stays at the best texture. This is a great option for busy parents, working professionals, and party hosts who want a meal that feels easy but still impressive.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Best Practices

Leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Pasta keep well, which makes it a smart meal prep option. Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Since the sauce thickens as it sits, you may want to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

For reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Stir often so the sauce warms evenly. If you freeze it, keep in mind that cream sauces can change texture a little after thawing, so fresh is usually best.

Meal prep works nicely here too. You can portion the pasta into containers for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners. Just keep the basil garnish separate and add it after reheating for the freshest taste.

Nutrition Information for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here is the nutrition breakdown for one serving of this pasta recipe. Values are approximate and can change based on the brands you use and any substitutions you make.

This meal offers solid protein from chicken and a satisfying mix of carbs and fat, making it a hearty choice for dinner. If you want to lighten it up, use a little less pasta or swap in a lower-fat cream alternative.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

🍝 Velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce coats juicy chicken and penne – viral comfort food packed with 41g protein!
❤️ Date-night worthy indulgence ready in 30 minutes; creamy, garlicky bliss that’ll steal hearts.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces

– 10 ounces penne pasta

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon pepper

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 3 tablespoons butter

– 2 teaspoons minced garlic

– 3 tablespoons flour

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

– 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

– Fresh basil for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First Step: Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 10 ounces penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Keep it nearby so you can add it to the sauce later without delay. If you are using gluten-free pasta, watch it closely because it can soften faster than regular penne.

2-Second Step: Season and cook the chicken: Cut 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then, until it is no longer pink on the inside. For the safest result, use a meat thermometer and check that the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This small step helps you avoid undercooked chicken while keeping the meat juicy.

3-Third Step: Start the sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour and cook briefly to form a paste. This helps thicken the sauce later and gives the pasta that cozy, creamy finish everyone loves.

4-Fourth Step: Add the liquid ingredients: Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Keep whisking so the sauce turns smooth instead of lumpy. Let the mixture start to bubble gently, then lower the heat a bit so it simmers without scorching.

5-Fifth Step: Build the signature flavor: Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy bite, while the paprika and herbs add warmth and depth. If you like a little kick, this is the best time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

6-Sixth Step: Simmer until thick: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, so use it if you can. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

7-Seventh Step: Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Stir well so every piece gets coated in the creamy sauce. This is where the dish really comes together and starts looking like the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta you have seen on social media and recipe sites.

8-Final Step: Garnish and serve: Spoon the pasta into bowls or onto plates and finish with fresh basil for garnish. Add a little extra parmesan on top if you want more cheesy flavor. Serve it hot while the sauce is silky and the pasta is tender. This dish works beautifully for family dinner, date night, or even meal prep for the next day.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🌡️ Use meat thermometer for 165°F chicken doneness every time.
🧀 Freshly grate Parmesan for superior melt and flavor.
🔥 Add red pepper flakes for spicy kick; store leftovers up to 4 days.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: High-Protein

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 646 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 962mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 41g
• Cholesterol: 145mg