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The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta | Creamy, Dreamy & Irresistible

There are some recipes so delicious that one bite makes you fall in love. Marry Me Chicken is one of those legendary dishes. Known for its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, juicy chicken, and irresistible flavor, it’s rumored to be so good that it could inspire a marriage proposal. Today, we’re elevating this classic into a full meal with pasta—making Marry Me Chicken Pasta the ultimate comfort dish. This version balances tender penne pasta with pan-seared chicken breast and a luscious sauce made from garlic, cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Smoky paprika and Italian herbs add warmth and depth, while fresh basil brings brightness. Whether you’re cooking date night dinner, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this pasta is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein:
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
Pasta:
  • ½ lb penne pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics:
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed (drained)
  • Fresh basil for garnish
Liquids & Dairy:
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
Oil:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs
  • Colander

Method
 

Step 1: Cook Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Lightly coat in flour on both sides.
Step 3: Sear Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet, add remaining butter.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Make Creamy Sauce
  1. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  2. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream.
  3. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Pasta & Sauce
  1. Add cooked penne pasta to the sauce.
  2. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Step 7: Slice Chicken & Return
  1. Slice seared chicken into strips.
  2. Add back to skillet, nestling into the pasta and sauce.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
  1. Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
  2. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze pasta and chicken separately (sauce may separate slightly). Best consumed fresh.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Protein Boost: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or add shrimp for surf-and-turf vibes.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in mozzarella for an extra gooey finish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour for coating.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The dish is so tasty it’s jokingly said to inspire proposals after just one bite!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and add even more flavor.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne holds the sauce well, but fettuccine or rigatoni also work beautifully.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce is best enjoyed fresh. If prepping ahead, keep sauce and pasta separate until ready to serve.
Can I lighten up the sauce?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
What can I serve alongside Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies pair perfectly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
Is it possible to add veggies?
Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Avoid boiling after adding cream; keep heat at medium-low.
🏁 Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, dreamy, and downright irresistible. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce make this dish unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for date night or just treating yourself, this pasta delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite.
One forkful, and you might just fall in love!