Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, indulgent chicken and pasta dish with parmesan cream sauce and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Elegant enough for a romantic dinner yet simple for weeknights, this comforting recipe turns any meal into a special occasion. Tender chicken, penne pasta, and a silky sauce make this a show-stopper that lives up to its name.

Ingredients

Scale

450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced or cubed
Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
42 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
16 g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
480 ml (2 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
50 g (½ cup) freshly grated parmesan cheese
85 g (½ cup) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
5 g (1 tsp) smoked paprika
5 g (1 tsp) dried Italian seasoning
225 g (½ lb / 8 oz) penne pasta
Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Season & Sear Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. Build Sauce Base
Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic, cooking 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

3. Make Cream Sauce
Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Add Flavors
Mix in parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes.

5. Combine
Return chicken to skillet and coat in sauce on low heat.

6. Cook Pasta
Meanwhile, cook penne al dente in salted water. Drain and add to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated.

7. Serve
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for a silky sauce.

Add a splash of white wine when deglazing for extra depth.

Loosen thick sauce with reserved pasta water.

Penne is classic, but rigatoni, fettuccine, or gnocchi work well.

Best enjoyed fresh—reheat gently with cream or broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Plats
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American