Tender penne pasta coated in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with succulent chicken—so irresistible, it might just lead to a proposal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A creamy, flavorful sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.
Tender, juicy chicken pieces perfectly complement the rich pasta.
Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
Perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal.
A one-pan dish that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Directions

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 and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir continuously to form a roux, cooking for another minute.
Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Incorporate Flavors: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 620 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Cheese Lovers: Increase the Parmesan cheese or mix in mozzarella.
Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
Pasta Choices: Use fettuccine, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta instead of penne.
Extra Protein: Add crispy bacon or shrimp for an even heartier dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Simply add pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken when combining all the ingredients.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Penne works well, but fettuccine, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta are great alternatives.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but store the sauce and pasta separately for best texture when reheating.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly.

Can I substitute the sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, try cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out?

Store with a bit of extra sauce or add a splash of broth when reheating.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work great in this recipe.

Does this dish work for meal prep?

Yes, portion into containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly delicious dish that’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions. With its luscious sauce, tender chicken, and comforting pasta, this meal is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this easy one-pan dish will become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Tender penne pasta coated in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with succulent chicken—so irresistible, it might just lead to a proposal!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound penne pasta
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook penne until al dente, then drain.
Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in flour to form a roux.
Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
Incorporate Flavors: Add sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Combine All Ingredients: Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and toss to coat everything evenly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Notes

Swap penne for fettuccine or rigatoni.
Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Use grilled chicken for a smoky twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American