Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Easy 30 Minute Meal!)
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If you’re looking for a dinner that feels a little special but is still easy enough for a weeknight, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the recipe to try. Tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce come together in one irresistible dish that’s packed with flavor.
What is Marry Me Chicken?
This comforting pasta recipe is inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken dish that’s said to be so delicious it could inspire a proposal. Not sure that it is true but I can tell you that I love the sun-dried tomato and basil combination. You can find it in my Crock pot Marry Me Chicken, my Marry Me Chicken dip and my Marry Me Pasta Salad.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe Highlights
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just craving a cozy dinner, this creamy chicken pasta is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken. ou can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly, or use shredded rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut.
- olive oil
- garlic powder
- garlic – Minced garlic adds rich aroma and depth to the sauce as it cooks
- red pepper flakes – A small amount adds gentle heat and balances the richness of the creamy sauce. You can leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor.
- sun-dried tomatoes – Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are especially flavorful and tender. These are my favorite sun-dried tomatoes to use.
- Italian seasoning – Use a homemade Italian Seasoning or store-bought.
- Penne pasta – If penne isn’t available, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini can be used as a substitute.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step by Step Instructions overview – see recipe card for full details.
Step 1 – Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Season chicken and cook in a skillet until golden
Step 3 – Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes
Step 4 – Add cream to create the sauce
Step 5 – Add chicken broth and Parmesan cheese.
Step 6 – Add pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet.
Step 7 – Toss until coated and garnish with basil.
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Substitutions and Variations
- Switch out chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- You can use Half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- Feel free to substitute the small pasta. Bowtie, ziti and even cheese tortellini can be used.
Time Saving Tips ⏰
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken – Skip cooking the chicken and simply shred rotisserie chicken. I do this all the time and it really saves lots of effort.
- Cook pasta while you make the sauce – Start the pasta water first so the noodles cook at the same time the sauce is simmering. This keeps the whole recipe around 30 minutes total.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil – They’re softer and already flavorful, so you can skip chopping and they blend easily into the sauce.
- Prep ingredients before cooking -Measure the cream, grate the parmesan, and chop garlic ahead of time so the cooking process goes smoothly.
- Use freshly grated parmesan – It melts faster and smoother than pre-shredded cheese, helping the sauce come together quickly.
- Double the sauce – The sauce reheats beautifully, so make extra and use it later in the week with another pasta or over chicken
Serving Suggestion
Serve this easy weeknight pasta dinner with Baguette Garlic bread and a Caprese salad.
Storage Suggestion
Store leftovers in airtight container in the refrigerator or store in individual containers and you have an easy ready-to-heat meal the next day.
More Chicken Pasta Dinners
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces (or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- 8 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or similar
- Fresh basil sliced thin for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside. (If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step.)
- In the same skillet, add garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Return cooked chicken to the sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
Nutrition
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This looks delicious! I’m going to give it a try this weekend! Thanks for joining in on Home Matters Linky Party! I will be featuring your post this week! #HomeMattersParty xx