Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Comfort Food

Imagine tender chicken and al dente pasta enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. This is the magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a dish so delicious it’s rumored to inspire proposals.

This is a foolproof guide to a restaurant-quality meal you can confidently create in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect main course for impressing guests or simply making a weeknight feel special, and it comes together more easily than you might think.

While this dish is an absolute showstopper, simple and elegant chicken dinners are always great to have in your repertoire. If you’re looking for more simple chicken dinners, be sure to check out our One-Pan Chicken Noodles.

We’ll walk through every step, ensuring your sauce is silky smooth and your chicken is cooked to perfection every time.

Ready to create a meal that’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews? Let’s begin.

Quick Overview: Making Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here’s a snapshot of what to expect for this simple yet impressive dish. This quick guide breaks down the timing and core steps.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

1. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water. Separately, season and cook the chicken pieces in a skillet until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. In the same skillet, create the sauce by briefly sautéing garlic, adding flour to make a paste, and then gradually whisking in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Stir Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings into the sauce, then return the chicken and pasta to the skillet. Combine everything, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Why This Recipe Works: The Secrets to an Irresistible Sauce

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just delicious by chance. Its success comes from a few simple but crucial culinary techniques that guarantee a restaurant-quality result every single time. Understanding why these steps matter is the key to mastering the dish.

First, we ensure the chicken is perfectly juicy and safe to eat by cooking it to a precise internal temperature. Using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F removes all guesswork and prevents dry, overcooked chicken.

The heart of this recipe is the luscious cream sauce, which starts with a simple roux. Melting 3 tablespoons of butter and cooking the flour for a minute creates a thickening base that ensures a silky, not watery, consistency. Gradually whisking in the chicken broth and heavy cream is vital to prevent lumps, resulting in a flawlessly smooth texture.

Pro-Tip: For the smoothest, most flavorful sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking starches that can result in a grainy texture when melted.

Finally, the secret weapon for a perfect sauce is the reserved pasta water. The starch in this water acts as an emulsifier, helping the sauce cling beautifully to every piece of penne and allowing you to adjust the thickness to your liking.

Now that you know the secrets to success, let’s gather the ingredients.

What You’ll Need to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This recipe comes together with a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Gathering everything before you begin is the key to a smooth cooking process. Here’s exactly what you’ll need.

The Complete Ingredient List

• 1 1/2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces Penne pasta
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 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, oil-packed
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 teaspoons Dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

With all your ingredients measured and ready, it’s time to move on to the step-by-step instructions.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this incredible dish to life. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add 10 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means it still has a slight bite.

Before you drain it, be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is key to adjusting the sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Season and Cut the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, prepare your chicken. Cut 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform, 1-inch bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.

Season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Tossing it well ensures every piece is flavored before it even hits the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Until Golden

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through. For perfect results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate for now.

Step 4: Build the Creamy, Dreamy Sauce

Now, let’s build that incredible sauce. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted, add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk this constantly for 1 minute to form a paste, or roux. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce and cooking out any raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Pouring slowly while whisking is the secret to a lump-free, silky-smooth sauce.

Finally, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Let the cheese melt completely into the sauce, then season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken to Perfection

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice it begin to thicken to a luscious consistency, perfect for coating every piece of pasta and chicken.

Step 6: Combine, Garnish, and Serve!

It’s time to bring it all together. Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Complete Your Meal: Perfect Pairings for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

While this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a satisfying meal all on its own, the right side dishes can turn it into a truly restaurant-worthy experience. The goal is to choose accompaniments that balance the rich, creamy sauce without competing with its bold flavors.

Here are a few simple pairings that work beautifully:

• Crusty Garlic Bread: This is a classic for a reason. Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that irresistible sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
• A Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the pasta, cleansing the palate with each bite.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: For a healthy addition, consider roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus. Their simple, earthy flavors complement the dish wonderfully and add a welcome touch of color to the plate.

Choosing one or two of these sides will round out your meal perfectly, ensuring a delightful and balanced dining experience for you and your guests.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Variations and Add-Ins

While this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is fantastic as is, it’s also a wonderfully flexible recipe. Feel free to use it as a canvas and add your own creative touches to suit your taste or use up what you have in the kitchen.

Adding Veggies for Extra Nutrients and Flavor

Incorporating vegetables is an easy way to add color, texture, and nutrients. For tender greens like spinach or kale, stir them into the sauce during the last minute of simmering until they wilt.

Heartier vegetables like sliced mushrooms or asparagus pieces can be sautéed in the skillet after you remove the chicken, right before you add the garlic. This ensures they are perfectly tender.

Protein Swaps for a Different Twist

This creamy sauce pairs beautifully with other proteins. Try swapping the chicken with Italian sausage, removed from its casings and browned, for a richer, savory flavor.

For a seafood version, use large shrimp. Sauté them for just a couple of minutes until pink and opaque, then set them aside and add them back in with the pasta at the very end to avoid overcooking.

Flavor Boosters to Take It Up a Notch

If you like a bit of heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the other seasonings. The gentle warmth cuts through the richness of the cream beautifully.

For a smoky, salty crunch, sprinkle some crumbled crispy bacon over the top of each serving. It’s a simple addition that adds another layer of delicious complexity.

Craving More Easy and Delicious Dinners?

If you loved the rich, creamy sauce in this dish, you’re in for a treat. For another creamy and satisfying weeknight meal, you’ll love our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.

If you’re looking for more simple chicken dinners, be sure to check out our One-Pan Chicken & Noodles.

Our readers also enjoy these easy Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a quick and flavorful option that’s always a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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