Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a rich tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente penne pasta and garnished with fresh basil. This comforting Italian-inspired meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and is sure to impress with its luscious sauce and balanced seasonings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, 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 (preferably Kerrygold)
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 leaves, torn just before serving

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a roux paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine chicken, pasta, and sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the dish and optionally add extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, flavorful pasta at its best.

Notes

For best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and Kerrygold butter.
Ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling when added to the sauce.
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Adjust seasoning at the end to taste.
Add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato chicken, Parmesan cream sauce, easy chicken pasta recipe