A Rich, Creamy Pasta Dish That Wins Hearts

When comfort food meets elegance, the result is a dish like Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a creamy, flavor-packed meal that’s so delicious, rumor has it it’s inspired marriage proposals. Whether you’re cooking for date night, family dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this pasta dish checks every box: satisfying, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and creamy textures with just the right balance of richness and spice. The dish features perfectly seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and penne pasta all tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food made in your own kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for:

Busy home cooks wanting a one-pan dinner that tastes gourmet
Pasta lovers seeking a new twist on creamy pasta
Romantic dinners, dinner parties, or cozy nights in

With a prep and cook time of under 45 minutes, it’s an ideal dish for weeknights—but impressive enough to serve guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down by components:

For the Chicken and Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture—firm to the bite. Drain and set it aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden on the outside and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter and melt it. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly, letting it cook for another minute to remove the raw taste.

4. Build the Creamy Base

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to create a smooth mixture. Once slightly thickened, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a dash of paprika. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

5. Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything gently until fully coated in that irresistible sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Whisk
Grater (for fresh Parmesan, optional)

Recipe Tips and Variations

Swap the Pasta: While penne is great for soaking up the sauce, you can substitute rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine.
Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrients and color.
Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Use Chicken Thighs: Prefer dark meat? Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use less cheese (though richness will be reduced).

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, but if you must, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore texture.

Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or cream while reheating to loosen the sauce and bring back the silky texture.

Perfect Pairings

Drinks:

A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio enhances the creamy, garlicky flavors.
For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling lemonade or cucumber-infused water.

Side Dishes:

A crisp Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or rosemary focaccia for soaking up every last drop of sauce
Roasted asparagus or broccolini to lighten the richness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sauce and chicken in advance and store them separately. Combine and reheat when ready to serve. Pasta is best fresh but can be reheated with good results.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, but note that the flavor and consistency will change significantly.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Try roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms if you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes. Both offer great texture and umami flavor.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the creamy sauce and tender chicken. You may want to skip the sun-dried tomatoes or paprika for a milder version.

Can I add more protein?

Yes, you can add crumbled bacon, grilled shrimp, or even cooked Italian sausage to bulk up the dish.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. It’s rich, indulgent, and versatile—yet easy enough to throw together after a long day. Whether you’re making it for someone special or just treating yourself, this dish delivers every single time.

🍝 Try this recipe?

If you loved this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, don’t forget to share it with friends and family, and subscribe to the blog for more crave-worthy recipes straight to your inbox. Let’s keep cooking delicious memories together.