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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, a rich and creamy parmesan sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta into a comforting, flavor-packed meal. With a hint of spice and cheesy goodness in every bite, it’s easy to see why this dish is rumored to be proposal-worthy! It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for date night.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: creamy chicken pasta, date night pasta, Marry Me Chicken Pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta
Servings: 6
Calories: 646kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Pasta:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 10 ounces penne pasta
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil chopped
  • Additional parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

  • Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
  • Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth.
  • Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and drain them well.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or extra chicken broth to loosen it up.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain a creamy texture.