If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavors that just sing to your taste buds, then you’re going to love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. Honestly, when I first made this, my family went crazy for it and I think you’ll find it just as irresistible. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up on any weeknight!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Flavorful: The sauce is rich with parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes that add a vibrant kick.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry and fridge.
Meal-Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without fuss.
Family Favorite: Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to for weeknight dinners.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of three layers: the bottom layer is penne pasta coated in a light yellow creamy sauce, the middle layer has chunks of light beige chicken mixed with bright red sun-dried tomatoes and scattered fresh green basil leaves, and the top layer is sprinkled with ground black pepper. A wooden spoon is mixing the right side of the bowl, partly covered in sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small wooden bowl of green herbs near the top right corner and a red cloth beneath the lower right side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes, Romantic Dinner Ideas, Comfort Food Recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe comes from a perfect mix of tender chicken, al dente penne, and that creamy sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes. Let’s talk about why each ingredient really works here and how you can shop smart for the best results.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken pieces, a small pile of uncooked penne pasta, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of softened butter cubes, a small white bowl with finely minced garlic, a small white bowl of pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl filled with grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of deep red sun-dried tomatoes, a small white bowl of red paprika powder, a small white bowl containing dried Italian seasoning herbs, fresh bright green basil sprigs placed neatly, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes, Romantic Dinner Ideas, Comfort Food Recipes

Boneless Skinless Chicken: Go for fresh breast or thigh meat; I prefer breast for leaner bites but thighs add juiciness.
Penne Pasta: Its tube shape clings well to the sauce, making every forkful hit with flavor.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the chicken – it adds a lovely touch without overpowering.
Butter: Essential for creating a silky base in the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference in depth and aroma.
Flour: This thickens the sauce perfectly; no lumps if you whisk well!
Chicken Broth: Choose a low-sodium variety so you can control seasoning.
Heavy Cream: Gives that luscious richness; I sometimes use half and half for a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key – pre-grated lacks that punch of flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a tangy sweetness and a pop of color; packed in oil are more flavorful but drain well.
Paprika & Italian Seasoning: These seasonings round out the sauce with warmth and herbaceous notes.
Fresh Basil: For garnish – it brightens the whole dish in the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is. Over time, I’ve mixed it up to suit different moods – feel free to customize to your taste or dietary needs!

Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies – it still cooks up creamy and hearty.
Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat; my husband loves this fiery twist.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free penne for this dish without sacrificing texture.
Lighter Sauce: Try using half heavy cream and half milk, or substitute with Greek yogurt stirred in off the heat for tanginess without the extra richness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prep the Chicken

Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package directions. Timing here is key – cook it just until al dente so it holds up when mixed into the sauce later. Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. I like to pat them dry first so they brown nicely instead of steaming. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a big skillet and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Whip Up That Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it yet, that bit of chicken flavor is gold), melt butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant – a quick 30 seconds is all you need or it can burn. Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter and stir constantly to create a roux. This helps thicken your sauce without lumps. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream to keep the sauce smooth. Then add parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently to thicken; you’ll see the sauce start to coat the back of a spoon in about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with your drained penne pasta. Stir everything so the sauce evenly coats the chicken and pasta. This is the part where all the flavors blend and it just starts smelling irresistible! Garnish with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of extra parmesan before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Remember, al dente pasta will finish cooking when tossed in the sauce, so don’t let it get too soft.
Use the Same Pan: Keeping the flavorful brown bits from the chicken in the skillet adds depth to your sauce.
Slowly Whisk in Liquids: To avoid lumps in your sauce, add broth and cream gradually while whisking continuously.
Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste before serving and add salt or pepper sparingly since parmesan and broth already bring salinity.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta sits on a white marbled surface with a red cloth nearby. The pasta has two main layers: the bottom layer consists of penne pasta in a light orange creamy sauce mixed with tender white chicken pieces and bright green basil leaves scattered throughout, while the top layer is sprinkled with thin strips of sun-dried tomatoes and a light dusting of grated cheese and black pepper, adding texture and color contrast. A fresh basil leaf sits on the top as a garnish, making the dish appear fresh and flavorful. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes, Romantic Dinner Ideas, Comfort Food Recipes

Garnishes

I always finish this pasta with fresh basil leaves because they bring a bright, herbal aroma that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I add a little extra grated parmesan on top too, just for that cheesy goodness with every forkful.

Side Dishes

This dish is satisfying on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also make refreshing sides that balance the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night or special occasions, I serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a basil sprig and a drizzle of good olive oil. You can even sprinkle some toasted pine nuts for crunch. It instantly elevates the look and makes the meal feel indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so before reheating, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to silky perfection.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe successfully by separating the pasta and sauce to keep texture intact. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if needed to refresh the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently on medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps the sauce loosen up without drying out the chicken or pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great because it holds sauce well, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can be used to mimic the cheesy flavor of parmesan.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

When the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape when you run your finger through it, it’s ready. It will thicken a bit more as it cools too.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce separately and combine with fresh pasta when ready to eat for best texture. The sauce reheats nicely and flavors meld well over time.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe turns out every single time. It’s become a beloved meal in my home because it’s creamy, full of flavor, and hits that comfort-food spot without being complicated. I know you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it – there’s something so satisfying about serving up a homemade dish that’s both beautiful and delicious. So, grab your skillet and pasta pot, and give it a go. You might just find your new favorite dinner!