Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or special occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
- 3 tbsp butter (Kerrygold recommended)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
- Fresh basil (torn just before serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour to form a paste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let sauce simmer until thickened.
- Step 4: Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 5: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and optional extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and presentation.
Tips & Variations
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor and avoid adding extra oil in the sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut milk and vegan butter.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Fresh basil added just before serving brightens the dish with color and aroma.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of penne?
Yes, any pasta shape you prefer can be used, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead, then store separately. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta to keep everything fresh and creamy.
Print
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces and penne pasta enveloped in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of paprika, this comforting meal is garnished with fresh basil for a burst of fresh flavor, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
For the pasta:
- 10 oz penne pasta
For the sauce:
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
- 3 tbsp butter (I use Kerrygold for richness)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
For the garnish:
- fresh basil (torn just before serving)
- additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until they are no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: 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 to form a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and pasta well in the creamy sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving. The fresh basil adds color and a bright flavor to the creamy pasta.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Pound the chicken to even thickness before cutting to ensure even cooking.
- Allow the cream and broth mixture to simmer enough to thicken the sauce properly.
- Fresh garlic is preferred for a more robust flavor in the sauce.
- Add more Parmesan cheese if you desire a cheesier sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato sauce, penne pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner
