Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Is it really possible for a pasta dish to be so good that it could make someone propose? Well, if any dish could, it’s this one! Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food-tender chicken, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coming together in one irresistible dish.

This recipe takes the classic “Marry Me Chicken” and upgrades it with pasta, making it even more satisfying. The sauce is rich, creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, while the pasta soaks up every bit of the deliciousness. Whether you’re making this for a special dinner or just craving an indulgent meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Imagine taking a bite of juicy, seasoned chicken coated in a luscious, velvety sauce made with butter, garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Every forkful is pure bliss! The penne pasta traps the creamy sauce in every bite-pure indulgence! Whether it’s for date night, a cozy family meal, or meal prep for the week, this dish never disappoints..

This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or meal prep since it reheats beautifully. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make-you don’t need to be a professional chef to pull this off!

So, whether you’re cooking to impress or just indulging in comfort food at its finest, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite recipe.

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

Before we start cooking, let’s go over everything you need to make this dish absolutely perfect.

For the Chicken and Pasta:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken – Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 10 ounces penne pasta – The shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
• ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper – Essential seasonings for well-balanced flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to perfection.

For the Rich & Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
• 3 tablespoons flour – Helps thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Enhances flavor and provides a silky texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The key to a smooth, velvety sauce.
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated – Melts into the sauce for a cheesy goodness.
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained – Adds a slightly tangy, sweet flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Enhances color and adds a subtle warmth.
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning – Brings in classic Italian herb flavors.
• Fresh basil for garnish – Adds a fresh and fragrant finishing touch.

With these simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish right in your own kitchen!

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the fun part-cooking! This recipe is super simple and comes together in just three easy steps.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. This dish comes together in three main steps:

1. Cooking the pasta
2. Preparing the chicken
3. Making the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce

Each step is simple, but when done right, they combine into a dish that’s absolutely unforgettable. Let’s get started!

Cooking the Chicken and Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add 10 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Always salt your pasta water! It adds extra flavor and makes a big difference in taste.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Cut 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
2. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
5. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while we make the sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan-cook the chicken in batches if necessary to get a nice golden crust.

Preparing the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Now for the best part-the rich, flavorful sauce!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Flour

1. In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat.
2. Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
3. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and mix well to form a paste. This step helps thicken the sauce later.

💡 Pro Tip: Cooking the flour for a minute removes its raw taste and gives the sauce a smooth texture.

Step 4: Add the Liquids

1. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.
2. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream for that creamy, rich consistency.

💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a splash of extra broth or cream to adjust the consistency.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Tomatoes, and Seasoning

1. Stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into the sauce.
2. Add 1 cup of drained sun-dried tomatoes, which give the sauce a deep, slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
3. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of paprika and 2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning for extra depth of flavor.
4. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra burst of freshness, add a handful of chopped fresh basil right at the end.

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce.
2. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss until everything is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Let it simmer for another minute to allow the pasta to soak up all that delicious flavor.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Dish

• Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese-it melts better and gives the sauce a smooth texture.
• For a thinner sauce, add extra broth or cream. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk can help loosen it up.
• Want more protein? Add cooked shrimp or crispy turkey bacon for a fun twist!
• For a low-carb version, swap the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

How to Store and Reheat Your Pasta

This dish is great for leftovers, and the sauce gets even better as it sits! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overheating-the sauce may separate if it gets too hot too quickly.

Best Breads to Serve with This Pasta

What’s better than a plate of creamy, flavorful pasta? A warm, buttery bread to dip into the sauce!

A great pasta dish deserves an equally amazing side. Whether you want something crispy, fluffy, garlicky, or cheesy, here are some perfect bread pairings to serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks

Nothing beats warm, soft breadsticks slathered in garlic butter. These are light, fluffy, and slightly crispy on the outside-the perfect tool for scooping up every last bit of sauce!

How to make them:

1. Use a simple pizza dough or homemade bread dough.
2. Roll into thin strips and bake until golden.
3. Brush with a mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley for an extra flavor boost.

💡 Pro Tip: Want them extra cheesy? Sprinkle with grated parmesan before baking!

Quick & Fluffy Italian Bread Rolls

If you love soft, pillowy rolls, these are a must-try. They bake in just an hour and have the perfect texture to soak up that creamy sauce.

How to make them:

1. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, butter, and warm milk.
2. Knead, let rise for 30 minutes, then shape into rolls.
3. Bake until golden and serve warm with butter or olive oil.

Easy 1-Hour Dinner Rolls

Craving homemade bread but short on time? These 1-hour dinner rolls are the answer!

How to make them:

1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, warm milk, and butter.
2. Knead and let the dough rise for just 30 minutes.
3. Shape, bake, and enjoy fresh, buttery rolls that taste like they took all day!

Soft and Buttery Garlic Knots

Garlic lovers, this one’s for you! These twisted knots of fluffy dough are brushed with a buttery, garlicky topping that takes them to another level.

How to make them:

1. Use pizza dough, cut into strips, and tie into knots.
2. Bake until golden, then brush with melted butter, garlic, and fresh parsley.
3. Serve with your pasta and get ready to wipe your plate clean!

💡 Pro Tip: Want even more garlic flavor? Roast whole garlic cloves and mash them into the butter!

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Looking for the perfect side dishes to serve with your Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Here are some delicious complementary recipes that will balance out the richness of this creamy dish.

Light & Fresh Salads

A fresh, crisp salad is the perfect contrast to this rich and creamy pasta.

• Best Quinoa Salad – A light, refreshing quinoa salad packed with nutrients and a slight crunch, making it an excellent balance to the creamy pasta.
• Chicken Caesar Salad – A classic favorite with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan, and a creamy dressing that complements the pasta beautifully.

Bread & Crispy Sides

A warm, crispy side is the best way to scoop up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

• Southern Cornbread – Soft, slightly sweet, and buttery cornbread that pairs perfectly with the creamy tomato sauce.
• Perfect Roasted Potatoes – Crispy, golden roasted potatoes that add the perfect crunch to balance the smooth, creamy pasta.

Roasted Vegetables & Side Dishes

If you want to add more veggies to your meal, these recipes will make the perfect pairing.

• What Veggies Are Good in Soup? – Not just for soup! This guide includes great vegetable options to roast or sauté alongside your pasta.
• Saffron Rice Recipe – Light, fluffy saffron-infused rice that brings a Mediterranean-inspired touch to your meal.

Light Desserts to Finish the Meal

After a rich pasta dish, a light and refreshing dessert is the way to go.

• Lemon Pound Cake – A soft, citrusy cake that’s the perfect way to cleanse your palate after a creamy meal.
• Ricotta Dessert Recipes – Light and creamy ricotta-based desserts that won’t feel too heavy after a pasta feast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that once you try, you’ll crave it again and again. The combination of juicy chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it an instant favorite.

Make this for date night, family dinners, or meal prep, and watch it disappear in minutes!

📌 Save this recipe, share it with friends, and let us know how it turns out!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If there’s any pasta dish that could inspire a marriage proposal, this is it! Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. The sauce is garlicky, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making every bite pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re making this for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

• For boiling the pasta.
• To drain the pasta.
• For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
• For freshly grating parmesan (melts better than pre-shredded cheese).

• Ingredients:
• For the Chicken and Pasta:
• 1 ½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces))
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

1. Instructions:
2. Step 1: Cook the Pasta
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
4. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
5. Drain and set aside.
6. Step 2: Cook the Chicken
7. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
8. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
10. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
11. Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
12. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
13. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
14. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
15. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to avoid lumps.
16. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted.
17. Add sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
18. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
19. Step 4: Combine Everything
20. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
21. Add the cooked pasta and toss until fully combined.
22. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
23. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Additional Notes:
Best Bread Pairings: Serve with garlic bread, soft dinner rolls, or buttery breadsticks for an extra indulgent meal.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tip: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Variations: Try adding crispy bacon, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor. For a low-carb option, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles.

Main Course

Italian-American