Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish bursting with sun-dried tomato flavor and tender chicken. This comforting meal comes together easily and is perfect for a special weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without fuss.

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 (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)
• Fresh basil (torn just before serving)

Instructions

1. 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 while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil 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.
3. Step 3: 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 make a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
4. Step 4: 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.
5. Step 5: Garnish the finished dish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the richest flavor, or rehydrate dry-packed ones in warm water before using.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Try adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of spice.
• Pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne works well for this dish, but you can substitute rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle depending on your preference.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

You can use pre-cooked chicken to save time; just add it to the sauce at the end to warm through without overcooking.

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 138 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, mixed with perfectly al dente penne pasta, and garnished with fresh basil for a beautiful and flavorful finish. This comforting pasta meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner that blends savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the 10 oz 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.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 tsp minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp flour to create a paste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika, and 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Notes

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor and texture.
• Butter like Kerrygold adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Heavy cream should be at room temperature to prevent curdling when added.
• Add fresh basil just before serving to preserve its flavor and color.
• Adjust seasoning to taste depending on saltiness of chicken broth and Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, Italian pasta recipes, easy creamy chicken dinner