Looking for a dish so delicious it might just inspire a proposal? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan—ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal, this recipe’s rich flavors and silky texture make it unforgettable. With its quick prep and swoon-worthy taste, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a surefire way to win hearts at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Bliss: Heavy cream and Parmesan create a velvety sauce in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Quick Prep: Done in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Bold Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning pack a punch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Feeds 6 with love in every bite.
- Easy Elegance: Simple ingredients, gourmet results.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few essentials. Want to upgrade your kitchen gear? Visit Our Shop for top-quality tools! Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Large Skillet: Cooks chicken and sauce for your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Large Pot: Boils pasta perfectly.
- Whisk: Blends the sauce smoothly.
- Tongs: Tosses pasta and chicken with ease.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Pasta
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken, 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 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
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
- Cook Pasta: Boil 10 ounces penne pasta per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prep Chicken: Cut 1 ½ pounds chicken into 1-inch pieces, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Transfer to a plate.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Sauté 2 teaspoons minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour to form a paste.
- Build Sauce: Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup Parmesan until smooth. Add 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Simmer a few minutes to thicken, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine: Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly in sauce.
- Serve: Garnish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, then serve hot.
Expert Tips For Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook just until done—it’ll reheat in the sauce for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Thicken Slowly: Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a bright finish—don’t skip it if possible.
- Grate Your Own: Fresh Parmesan melts better than pre-grated.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Pasta: Aim for al dente—it’ll hold up in the sauce for your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Burnt Garlic: Sauté briefly to keep it sweet, not bitter.
- Thin Sauce: Simmer until it coats the spoon—don’t rush.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Herb Swap: Use oregano instead of Italian seasoning.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach or mushrooms.
- Light Version: Swap cream for half-and-half (sauce may be thinner).
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream—microwaving works but may separate the sauce. Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight and reheat gently.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Thaw first for even cooking and proper texture.
2. What pasta works best for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Penne holds sauce well, but rigatoni or fettuccine are great too.
3. Can I skip sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, though they add unique tang—try roasted red peppers instead.
4. How do I know chicken is done?
No pink inside, or 165°F (74°C) internally.
5. Can I make it ahead?
Cook chicken and sauce ahead, but cook pasta fresh for best Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
6. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—mild flavors make it a hit with kids.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish—tender chicken and pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s quick to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for date night or a family feast, it’s love at first bite. Heat your skillet, cook that pasta, and savor this Marry Me Chicken Pasta tonight—it’s a recipe worth proposing for!
