Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast; 10 ounces penne pasta; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 3 tablespoons flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; Fresh basil for garnish

Published: April 24, 2025

by Jessica

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and elegance to your table. This creamy pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a romantic meal for two, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion and is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and creamy texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan creates a deliciously creamy sauce that enhances the chicken and pasta.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with garlic bread or a salad for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings or date nights, this dish is bound to win hearts.
Easy Cleanup: With only one skillet needed for cooking, cleanup is a breeze!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make preparing Marry Me Chicken Pasta smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Perfect for cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce without overcrowding.
Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures even cooking of the penne, allowing it to achieve that ideal al dente texture.
Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps in your creamy sauce.

Ingredients

This rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, al dente penne, and a flavorful sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce. With a perfect balance of creaminess and spice, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it!

For the Chicken Pasta

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

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
3 tablespoons 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

For Garnish

Fresh basil, for garnish

Enjoy this irresistible, flavor-packed dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
* Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked through.
* Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken:
* Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
* Stir in flour, cooking for about 1 minute to form a paste.

Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese until smooth.
Stir in drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Let the sauce simmer for several minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
Add in the drained penne pasta.
Stir well to coat everything evenly in that rich sauce.

Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Garlic Bread

Garlic Butter Toast: Serve warm, crispy garlic bread alongside the pasta for a satisfying crunch and flavor contrast.
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Top your garlic bread with mozzarella cheese and broil until bubbly for an indulgent treat.

Add Fresh Salad

Caesar Salad: A classic choice, its crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing complement the rich pasta.
Mediterranean Salad: With cucumbers, olives, and feta, this salad adds a refreshing touch that balances the dish’s richness.

Include Roasted Vegetables

Seasonal Veggies: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus tossed in olive oil make a colorful side that enhances the meal’s health factor.
Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add a savory crunch that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Top with Extra Parmesan

Grated Parmesan: Serve additional grated parmesan on the side for those who love an extra cheesy flavor boost.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To achieve the best results with your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, consider these helpful tips.

Bold seasoning: Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking for maximum flavor.
Creamy consistency: Adjust heavy cream to achieve your desired sauce thickness. More cream will yield a richer sauce.
Fresh ingredients: Use fresh basil and quality parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Don’t overcook pasta: Cook penne al dente so it retains texture when mixed with the creamy sauce.
Let it simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer long enough to develop flavors; this step is crucial for depth in taste.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes alive when you pair it with complementary sides. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery side that enhances every bite of creamy pasta.
Mixed Green Salad – Light greens tossed in a vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
Roasted Asparagus – Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds elegance and color to your meal.
Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a vibrant complement to the pasta’s flavors.
Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli offers a nutritious side that balances the richness of the pasta.
Risotto – Creamy risotto can be an indulgent pairing that makes for a hearty meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be straightforward, but some common mistakes might hinder your results. Here are a few to watch out for:

Ignoring the Pasta Cooking Time: Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture. Always follow the package instructions for al dente pasta.
Not Seasoning the Chicken: Underseasoned chicken can taste bland. Make sure to season the chicken pieces well with salt and pepper before cooking.
Skipping the Sauce Simmering Step: Not allowing the sauce to simmer may result in a watery consistency. Give it time to thicken for that rich creaminess.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect flavor. Opt for high-quality parmesan cheese and fresh sun-dried tomatoes for the best results.
Rushing the Cooking Process: Cooking too quickly can lead to uneven results. Take your time, especially when cooking chicken and allowing flavors to meld.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: In a skillet, add a splash of water or broth, then stir over medium heat until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy dish featuring tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce that’s perfect for impressing guests.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While penne is recommended, you can substitute it with fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti based on your preference.

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The level of spice is mild due to paprika and Italian seasoning. You can adjust these spices according to your taste by adding more or using red pepper flakes.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead but store the sauce and pasta separately until ready to serve for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether you choose to add vegetables or adjust the seasoning, this dish promises satisfaction every time. Give it a try today!

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