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There’s a certain kind of recipe that just feels special from the first bite, and for me, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes. It’s the kind of dinner that’s rich but approachable, comforting but elegant, and something I always turn to when I want to cook something a little extra—without making it too complicated. The sauce? Creamy, cheesy, with a tangy twist from sun-dried tomatoes that soaks right into every piece of pasta. And the name? Well, it’s not hard to imagine someone falling in love over a bowl of this.
I made this one night when I had leftover cream and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes sitting in the fridge. I tossed them into a skillet with chicken, garlic, and parmesan... and let’s just say, that first forkful had my husband pushing his chair closer to mine and asking what I put in it. That’s when I knew this recipe was staying in our regular rotation.
I served this to friends during a casual Friday dinner, and one of them texted me the next morning asking for the recipe. That’s always a good sign.
Ingredients & What They Do
- Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): Cut into bite-sized pieces—they cook quickly and stay juicy when seared right.
- Penne Pasta: Holds onto the sauce in its tubes, giving you perfect bites every time. Other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli work too.
- Salt & Pepper: The foundation of all good flavor—season the chicken well before searing.
- Olive Oil: Helps get that golden-brown crust on the chicken.
- Butter: Starts the sauce and adds richness.
- Fresh Garlic (minced): Don’t skip this—it’s the first layer of flavor in the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce slightly, giving it body without being heavy.
- Chicken Broth: Balances the richness of the cream and adds depth.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luscious and silky. Half-and-half is a lighter substitute, but I prefer cream for full indulgence.
- Parmesan Cheese (grated fresh): Adds sharp, salty depth and melts beautifully.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (drained & sliced): These are the star! They add tang, chewiness, and such a great contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Paprika & Italian Seasoning: A bit of smoky warmth and that herby Italian aroma.
- Fresh Basil (chopped): For a fragrant, colorful finish.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Step 2: Prep the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper. This gives it flavor before it even hits the pan.
- Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until browned and fully cooked—about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Step 4: Start the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a roux—it will look like a paste.
- Step 5: Build the Sauce
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Let simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Step 6: Add Flavor
- Stir in parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened and the flavors meld—about 5 more minutes.
- Step 7: Combine Everything
- Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything until well coated. Let it heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Step 8: Finish with Basil
- Top with chopped fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan before serving.
My favorite part of this dish is how the tangy sun-dried tomatoes pop through the rich creaminess. It’s what keeps everyone going back for seconds—and why I always keep a jar of them in my pantry.
Variations & Add-Ons
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced Calabrian chilies for a bolder kick.
- Add spinach: Stir in baby spinach at the end until wilted for a little green.
- Swap the pasta: Short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or cavatappi work just as well.
- Try it baked: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
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I’ve served this dish at birthday dinners, cozy date nights, and even packed it up for potlucks. No matter the occasion, someone always asks, “What’s in this?”—which I take as the highest compliment.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s romantic without being fussy, rich without being heavy, and flavorful enough to win over just about anyone—Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. It’s a modern classic in my kitchen, and I have a feeling it’ll become one in yours too.