There’s something magical about a recipe called Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and after you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved dish. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta in a way that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this marry me chicken pasta will quickly become a favorite.
You’ll love how the rich, savory flavors come together without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. This dish is perfect when you want something comforting, elegant, and satisfying all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for weeknights.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
- Creamy, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.
- Versatile — great for casual dinners or special occasions.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day meals.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious and creamy marry me chicken pasta.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
How to Make Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Recipe You Have to Try – That Never Disappoints
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, then remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then toss in the drained pasta. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Cook together for another 2 minutes to let flavors meld, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving immediately for the best taste and presentation.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente works best to hold up in the creamy sauce.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are oily-packed, drain excess oil to prevent greasiness.
- Feel free to swap penne for rigatoni or fettuccine based on preference.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover marry me chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce creamy when reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
If you want to freeze it, place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly to retain the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through but still tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy if you include crushed red pepper flakes, but you can omit them to keep it mild and family-friendly.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Both oil-packed and dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes work. Oil-packed add richness, but make sure to drain excess oil. Dry-packed should be rehydrated in warm water before chopping.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and confirm that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
