Creamy Chicken Pasta

Featured in Chicken.

Whipped up this creamy chicken pasta for a cozy night at home, and it was even better than ordering out! Cooked the chicken until it browned beautifully, then stirred up a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. The pasta soaked in all that goodness, and my boyfriend loved how amazing it smelled. Sipped some wine while cooking, threw in extra garlic, and had the best meal without spending a fortune at a restaurant!
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Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:24:43 GMT
A hearty bowl of penne pasta topped with golden chicken pieces, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and loads of grated parmesan. Pin it
A hearty bowl of penne pasta topped with golden chicken pieces, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and loads of grated parmesan. | tasteofmoms.com

Addictive Weekend Chicken Pasta Delight

After throwing tons of dinner gatherings, I've nailed this chicken pasta formula. When you mix juicy chicken chunks with creamy parmesan sauce and al dente penne, you'll find pure food heaven. The bursts of sun dried tomatoes and sprinkles of fresh basil make it taste way better than what you'd get at a high-end Italian spot, yet you can throw it together in half an hour flat.

How This Chicken Pasta Got Its Catchy Title

Folks dubbed this dish with its unique name because nobody can turn it down. The way that velvety sauce wraps around each pasta bit while zesty sun dried tomatoes and nutty parmesan build waves of taste is just brilliant. It's become what I cook when I need something impressive without spending my whole day in front of the stove.

Your Shopping List

  • Chicken: Dice it into small chunks for quick and juicy cooking.
  • Penne Pasta: The grooves on each piece grab onto all that yummy sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They pack an incredible punch of deep flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grab a block and shred it yourself for ultimate meltability.
  • Heavy Cream: This creates that dreamy smooth texture.
  • Italian Seasoning: A handy mix of complementary dried herbs.

Cooking Time Fun

Prepare Your Pasta
Boil your penne so it's ready when you need it.
Prepare The Chicken
Add plenty of spices then fry until it looks crispy and tasty.
Whip Up That Sauce
Begin with butter and garlic then build your base and pour in cream for richness.
Mix Everything
Pop in those sun dried tomatoes and spices then combine all parts and top with fresh basil leaves.
A creamy pasta dish with penne, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, served in a skillet. Pin it
A creamy pasta dish with penne, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, served in a skillet. | tasteofmoms.com

Smart Cooking Tips

Don't buy pre-grated parmesan for this chicken pasta dish. Watch your meat temp to avoid dryness. Want some kick? Toss in red pepper flakes. For warming up the extras, just add a bit more cream to keep that smooth texture you loved the first time around.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do they call it Marry Me Chicken?

It's said to be so tasty that it could inspire someone to pop the big question!

→ Can other pasta shapes work?

Absolutely, just pick a shape that can hold onto the sauce well, like bowtie or rigatoni.

→ What's the trick to keeping the sauce silky?

Keep the heat low and mix gently when adding in the cream and cheese.

→ Can this be prepped ahead of time?

It's best when eaten fresh, but with some cream added, leftovers reheat gently just fine.

→ What makes this sauce so flavorful?

It's all about the combo of garlic, tangy tomatoes, Italian spices, and cheesy goodness.

Marry Me Chicken

Indulge in a creamy blend of penne, golden chicken bites, and tangy tomato flavors, all wrapped up in a cheesy, dreamy sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Chicken

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 pan)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 cup heavy cream.
02 2 teaspoons garlic, minced.
03 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
04 1 tablespoon olive oil.
05 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
06 1 teaspoon paprika.
07 1½ pounds boneless chicken, diced into bites.
08 3 tablespoons butter.
09 3 tablespoons flour.
10 10 ounces penne pasta.
11 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and ready to use.
12 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
13 2 cups chicken broth.
14 1/2 teaspoon salt.
15 Fresh basil leaves to top it off.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil pasta as instructed on the package.

Step 02

Toss the chicken with pepper and salt until coated.

Step 03

In a hot pan with oil, cook chicken for 6-8 minutes.

Step 04

Take chicken out of the pan, then melt butter in the same pan.

Step 05

Stir garlic in the melted butter for half a minute.

Step 06

Sprinkle in the flour, stirring it into a paste.

Step 07

Whisk in broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 08

Add the tomatoes and spices, mixing evenly.

Step 09

Let the sauce simmer until it thickens a bit.

Step 10

Put the chicken and cooked pasta back into the pan.

Step 11

Finish with fresh basil on top.

Notes

  1. Penne isn't the only option; try any short pasta.
  2. Keep stirring when you pour in the cream.
  3. This dish is best hot and fresh.
  4. Warm leftovers with a splash of cream for moisture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big skillet.
  • Pot for boiling pasta.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy like cream and Parmesan.
  • Includes wheat in the pasta and flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 646
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 41 g