Name: Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta; Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This creamy, dreamy dish unites tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and penne pasta in a luscious parmesan sauce that’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re making it for date night or simply treating yourself, every bite will have you swooning over the incredible blend of flavors—and asking for seconds (and maybe even a proposal).

Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how effortless yet crucial each ingredient becomes. Every item on this list shines in its own way, creating a balanced plate bursting with taste, texture, and color. Let’s peek at what you’ll need and why.

Chicken breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken for juicy, fast-cooking chunks that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Salt and pepper: These bring out the flavors of each component—don’t be shy with the seasoning!
Olive oil: A splash in the skillet helps the chicken brown up perfectly, adding subtle richness.
Unsalted butter: Adds depth and silkiness to the sauce, giving every spoonful a velvet touch.
Garlic: Four cloves bring a bold punch of flavor that perfumes the whole dish.
All-purpose flour: Just a bit thickens the sauce to that classic, craveable creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: Reach for low-sodium to control saltiness and deepen the savory notes.
Heavy cream: This is your ticket to luscious, rich sauce that feels totally decadent.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must for that nutty, savory, melty magic.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little jewels infuse every bite with tangy, slightly sweet intensity.
Smoked paprika: A teaspoon adds warmth and subtle smokiness you’ll want to keep tasting.
Dried Italian seasoning: Brings a whisper of herbs to balance the rich, creamy sauce.
Penne pasta: Penne is perfect for holding all the sauce—make sure it’s al dente!
Fresh basil: Torn or chopped for the ultimate fresh finish and herby aroma.

How to Make Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—you want that satisfying sizzle as you lay in the chicken. Let it sear and brown on each side, cooking through in about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is juicy, golden chicken that’s going to be the star of your Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Once done, scoop it onto a plate and set aside; trust me, those tasty brown bits left in the pan are flavor gold!

Step 2: Make the Roux

In the same skillet, drop in your butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and let it bubble and sizzle for just 30 seconds—enough to become fragrant but not burnt. Sprinkle the flour over and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This little extra patience builds your base for a thick, glossy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to prevent any lumps. Follow with the heavy cream, and keep whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and a little thicker. Gradually add the parmesan cheese; watch as it melts into the sauce, turning everything into a golden, cheesy wonder. At this point, you’ll know you’re on your way to the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta heaven!

Step 4: Add Flavor

Now it’s time for the magic: stir in your sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes, so those flavors have a chance to mingle and get cozy. That little tease of sweetness from the tomatoes and the gentle heat from the paprika are what gives this dish its unforgettable character.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, letting it soak up all that creamy, aromatic sauce. While that’s happening, cook your penne pasta until perfectly al dente. Drain it, then swoop the pasta into your skillet, tossing everything together so every morsel of chicken and noodle is gleaming with sauce. This is where Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes to life!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the finished dish with a generous shower of freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and impossibly inviting. The fragrance alone will have people circling the kitchen!

How to Serve Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touches really make your Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta pop. A handful of fresh basil or even a little extra parmesan gives the plate vibrancy, aroma, and a beautiful burst of green. Feel free to sprinkle on cracked black pepper, red chili flakes, or even a few pine nuts for added texture and flavor if you’re feeling creative.

Side Dishes

This dish shines solo, but it loves company! Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or slice up some tangy roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a classic baguette is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce, making your Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta night truly complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little wow-factor, try serving your pasta family-style on a big platter, or pile it high in individual shallow bowls for restaurant-chic flair. If you’re hosting, nestle a sprig of basil or some edible flowers on top for a show-off finish. Swap the penne for rigatoni or even spiral pasta to make it your own signature Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, so reheating this Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is almost as exciting as eating it fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta for up to two months. Make sure it cools completely, then portion it into freezer-friendly containers. The sauce may separate a bit after thawing, but a quick stir on the stovetop brings the creamy texture right back.

Reheating

For best results, warm your pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between—it’ll be creamy, steamy, and just as delicious as day one.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully here. They’re a bit juicier and have a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time a little, as thighs often take longer to cook through completely.

I don’t have penne—can I use a different pasta?

Go ahead and play! Rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine all pair well with the creamy sauce. The important thing is to cook your pasta al dente so it holds up to the rich sauce of your Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, try using half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and a teaspoon of cornstarch. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still get plenty of creaminess.

Is it possible to make this gluten free?

Definitely—just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. Everything else in Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is naturally gluten free!

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Of course! Spinach, artichoke hearts, or even roasted bell peppers are stunning in this dish. Just toss them in with the sun-dried tomatoes for a Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta bursting with color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have every tip and trick for this fabulous dish, it’s your turn to bring Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta to your table. No matter the occasion, this is the kind of recipe guaranteed to win hearts and make memories. Seriously, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again. Happy cooking!

Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 30 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta – a dish that will surely win over your taste buds with its rich combination of tender chicken, savory sauce, and al dente pasta. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones.

Instructions

Season and Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken until browned and cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes.
Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in chicken broth, then heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until thickened. Add parmesan and mix until melted.
Add Flavor: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for a few minutes.
Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet and simmer in sauce. Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente. Drain and toss pasta into the sauce mixture until coated.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian