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This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken pieces, al dente penne, and a rich, flavorful sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes. It earned its charming name because it's supposedly so delicious that serving it might lead to a marriage proposal!
I first made this for my partner on our dating anniversary, and now it's requested for every special occasion. The combination of that silky sauce with the punch of sun-dried tomatoes never fails to impress.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and cook quickly when cut into pieces
- Penne pasta: holds the creamy sauce perfectly in its ridges and tube centers
- Butter: creates the rich base for our sauce
- Garlic: adds essential aromatic flavor always use fresh for best results
- All purpose flour: helps thicken our sauce to silky perfection
- Chicken broth: adds depth and savory notes use low sodium to control saltiness
- Heavy cream: creates luxurious richness that makes this dish special
- Parmesan cheese: both thickens the sauce and adds complex umami flavor look for freshly grated
- Sun dried tomatoes: provide intense sweet tanginess that defines this dish choose oil packed for best flavor
- Paprika: adds subtle warmth and beautiful color
- Italian seasoning: adds herbal complexity with minimal effort
- Fresh basil: brightens the finished dish with color and aromatic finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente typically 9 to 11 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut chicken into uniform 1 inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken in a single layer without crowding the pan to promote browning. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes then flip pieces and continue cooking until no longer pink about 3 to 5 more minutes.
- Create the Sauce Base:
- In the same skillet you used for chicken melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds being careful not to brown it which would cause bitterness. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and garlic stirring constantly to create a smooth paste cook for about one minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Develop the Sauce:
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add heavy cream in a steady stream continuing to whisk. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer which will activate the thickening properties of the flour. Add grated parmesan cheese in small handfuls stirring after each addition until fully melted.
- Build Flavor Complexity:
- Stir in drained sun dried tomatoes which will infuse the sauce with their intense flavor. Add paprika and Italian seasoning mixing thoroughly to distribute. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to meld flavors and reach desired thickness. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with sauce. If sauce seems too thick add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary remembering that parmesan adds saltiness.
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The sun dried tomatoes are truly the star ingredient here. I discovered their transformative power in this dish when I accidentally doubled the amount called for in the original recipe. That happy accident created such amazing flavor depth that my entire family declared it the best pasta they had ever eaten.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating add a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. For best results reheat gently on the stovetop rather than microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.
Simple Variations
Transform this dish by changing just a few ingredients while keeping the creamy base. Swap spinach for sun dried tomatoes for a milder flavor profile. Add sautéed mushrooms for earthiness and extra texture. Use shrimp instead of chicken for an elegant seafood version. The versatile sauce works beautifully with many proteins and vegetables allowing endless customization based on what you have available.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this rich pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the creaminess. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish perfectly. For bread I recommend garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce. Complete the meal with a light dessert like fresh berries with whipped cream to balance the richness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Season the chicken properly and cook it over medium-high heat until just golden. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with fettuccine, spaghetti, or your preferred pasta for similar results.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can serve as lighter substitutes for heavy cream, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- → How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh herbs like parsley, or a splash of white wine for enhanced depth.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing them separately. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.