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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This creamy marry me chicken pasta features tender chicken, penne, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a rich, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight or special dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner, pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 700 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 large (12-inch) skillet

Ingredients
  

  • ½ pound penne pasta cooked and drained
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 ½ pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes julienne cut and drained (about 1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped basil leaves divided

Instructions
 

  • Cook the penne pasta in a large pot according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, mixing until no dry flour remains.
  • Gradually whisk in chicken broth, cooking 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  • Add cooked penne, browned chicken, and 2 tablespoons chopped basil. Stir gently to coat everything with the sauce.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with remaining 1 tablespoon basil before serving.

Notes

  • Any short pasta can replace penne.
  • Heavy cream is essential for sauce richness.
  • Drain and slice sun-dried tomatoes well.
  • Adjust salt if using low-sodium broth.
  • Use high-quality parmesan or freshly shredded cheese for best melting.