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.
Ingredients
Scale
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
