Name: The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta; Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

If there was ever a dish to sweep someone off their feet, it’s The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Picture this: tender, golden chicken nestled in a heavenly parmesan cream sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes, then twirled with perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is rich, comforting, and just the right amount of decadent, with layers of flavor that make you want to savor every forkful. It’s the kind of recipe you pull out when you want to make someone feel cherished, whether it’s a cozy date night or just a weeknight where you’re craving something truly special.

The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is proof that impressive dinners don’t require a mile-long ingredient list. Each item here is chosen for its ability to add depth, color, and pure comfort to every bite. Let’s break down how each essential ingredient plays its part in creating this showstopper.

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken creates juicy, meaty bites that soak up the dreamy sauce beautifully.
Salt and pepper: A sprinkle enhances every other flavor—don’t skimp on seasoning your chicken!
Olive oil: A splash helps achieve that gorgeous, golden sear on the chicken.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps build the velvety roux that forms the base of the sauce.
Garlic: Four cloves bring a deep, irresistible aroma and a gentle punch to the cream sauce.
All-purpose flour: Whisked into the butter, it thickens the sauce to luscious perfection.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering, letting every ingredient shine.
Heavy cream: The not-so-secret secret for the creamiest texture you’ll crave again and again.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melted right in, it’s what makes the sauce so savory and full of umami richness.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their tangy, concentrated flavor and pop of color make every bite memorable.
Smoked paprika: Just a touch infuses a subtle smokiness that takes the sauce up a notch.
Dried Italian seasoning: Brings all the classic herbs together for that signature Italian-inspired vibe.
Penne pasta: The sauce clings to these ridges, but other short pasta works if you like experimenting!
Fresh basil: A sprinkle over the top before serving wakes up every other flavor with freshness.

How to Make The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start off by seasoning your chicken generously with salt and pepper. This small step goes a long way in boosting flavor right from the start. Once your skillet is nice and hot with a bit of olive oil, add the chicken pieces. Let them cook without crowding the pan—this helps you get that beautiful golden crust. After about 5 to 7 minutes, once the chicken is cooked through and caramelized, set it aside. The fond (those browned bits in the pan) is pure flavor gold!

Step 2: Make the Roux

In the same skillet (don’t even think about cleaning out those tasty bits!), melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—this is where the aroma fills your kitchen. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for a minute or two. This roux is the secret to a creamy sauce that clings to every noodle and bite of chicken.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Now it’s time for the magic. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Gradually add the heavy cream as well—you’ll see the sauce begin to thicken and become silky. Once it’s smooth, sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and whisk until melted. This is the creamy heart of The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, so take your time to get it just right!

Step 4: Add Flavor

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. These simple additions transform the sauce into something extraordinary; the tomatoes bring a sweet-tart bite, the paprika introduces subtle smoke, and the herbs round everything out. Let this simmer for a few minutes so all the flavors marry (pun definitely intended!).

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the seared chicken—and all its juices—to the skillet, letting it simmer in the creamy sauce while you boil your pasta. Cook the penne just till al dente, then drain it and immediately add it to the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every nook and cranny of the pasta and chicken. The result? The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta you’ll ever dig your fork into.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Generously scatter chopped fresh basil over the top just before serving. This last touch awakens the creamy, rich flavors and adds a pop of brightness and color. Serve it hot and let everyone at the table swoon over your culinary skills!

How to Serve The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh basil is classic, but don’t stop there! Add an extra handful of grated parmesan or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little subtle heat. For a lovely finishing touch, a drizzle of good olive oil or a few cracks of black pepper just before serving will make the dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta shines solo but pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted veggies to cut through the richness. Think crisp garlic bread for endless sauce-scooping or a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad for a little crunch and tang. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water ties the meal together like a dream.

Creative Ways to Present

If want to get a little fancy, serve this pasta in individual bowls with a sprig of basil tucked on the side and a swoosh of sauce on the rim. Or, for family-style fun, pile it high in a rustic serving dish right in the middle of your table. For date night, try shaping a pasta “nest” with the chicken nestled inside and a dramatic basil leaf on top—it’s beautiful and a bit playful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but that just makes it cling to the pasta even more. For best results, add a tablespoon or two of water or cream before reheating to bring back the creamy goodness.

Freezing

While this dish is at its finest straight from the skillet, you can freeze portions if needed. Let the pasta cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers. It’s best to enjoy within 1–2 months. Just know that cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, but a gentle reheat will help restore its smoothness.

Reheating

When it’s time to bring those leftovers back to life, place them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth. Gently stir until warmed through. This method helps preserve the luscious texture and keeps the chicken from drying out. The microwave works, too—just cover and reheat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice for The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta because they stay extra juicy. Simply adjust your cooking time since thighs may need a few more minutes to cook thoroughly.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

No worries—roasted red peppers or even cherry tomatoes (cooked down with a bit of olive oil) can stand in for sun-dried tomatoes if needed. The goal is to give the sauce that sweet-tangy lift and pop of color.

Can I make The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any of the creamy, comforting magic.

How do I lighten up this recipe?

For a lighter version of The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and opt for less parmesan if you like. Skip the extra butter and serve with a heap of veggies to balance out the richness.

Can I prep any parts of this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can slice the chicken, chop the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and even measure out your spices ahead. If you want super quick assembly, cook the pasta and store it with a splash of olive oil. Then just make the sauce fresh when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Give The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta a whirl when you want to spoil yourself or someone you love with something cozy and just plain delicious. A bowl of this pasta brings comfort, delight, and a little touch of romance to the table every time. Don’t just take my word for it—try it for yourself and see why so many have fallen head-over-heels!