Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dinner that stops people mid-bite and asks who made this. Tender chicken pieces tossed with penne in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with Parmesan — it is the sort of meal that feels way fancier than the 30 minutes it actually takes. I first made this on a regular Tuesday and my family acted like I had ordered from a restaurant.
The sauce is where this recipe earns its name. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy depth that cuts right through the cream and keeps every bite interesting. I make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta on busy weeknights when I need something that feels special but comes together fast. The penne traps the sauce inside each piece so you get full flavor in every forkful. It is rich, satisfying, and one of those recipes you will find yourself making again the very next week.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
I always use freshly grated Parmesan for this sauce — the pre-shredded kind does not melt as smoothly and can leave the sauce grainy. My go-to is a good block of Parm grated right before adding it to the pan. Here is everything you need:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces)
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter (I recommend unsalted so you can control the salt level in the sauce)
- 2 tsp garlic, minced (fresh is best — my preference is always fresh over jarred for this sauce)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (this is what thickens the sauce into that silky consistency)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (half and half works as a lighter swap — in my experience the sauce is thinner but still good)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (pro tip: grate it yourself for the smoothest melt)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained (the oil-packed kind adds even more richness)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend cooking the pasta first so everything is ready to come together quickly once the sauce is done. This is a fast-moving recipe and having your pasta drained and waiting saves you from overcooking the chicken while you wait.
Step 1: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse — the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through with no pink remaining. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant — watch it closely so it does not burn. Add flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a paste.
Step 5: Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If lumps form, keep whisking over medium heat and they will smooth out.
Step 6: Stir in drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens noticeably and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 8: Return the chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but a few simple sides round it out into a full dinner without competing with the sauce.
Garlic Bread or Focaccia: A crusty slice of bread is the perfect tool for scooping up every last bit of that sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It is a classic pairing for good reason.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: If your family loves creamy chicken pasta dishes, this Cajun version is a great recipe to have next in your rotation — bold, spicy, and just as satisfying.
Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens with a light lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness of the cream sauce and add brightness to the meal without overpowering it.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken with Twisted Pasta: Another creamy, cheesy chicken pasta that pairs well as an alternative option for pasta night when you want to mix things up.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad: If you love the sun-dried tomato flavor in this dish, this salad uses the same star ingredient in a lighter format — perfect as a side or next-day lunch alongside leftovers.
Marry Me Chicken: The original skillet version of this dish without the pasta — great to serve alongside for a dinner party spread or to understand the sauce base before adding noodles.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: A lighter, citrus-forward pasta that is a natural companion recipe when you want to offer guests two pasta options with different flavor profiles.
Steamed or Roasted Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli is a great counterpoint to the creamy, tangy sauce and adds a veggie element that balances the richness of the dish.
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A bold, cheesy chicken pasta casserole that fans of this dish will also love — great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, which is normal — it still tastes great reheated.
To reheat, I recommend the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or chicken broth stirred in to loosen the sauce back up. The microwave works too — heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between each, and add a little liquid if needed.
Pro tip: this pasta also works well with other noodle shapes. Rigatoni, farfalle, or rotini all trap the sauce nicely if penne is not on hand.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and stay even juicier than breasts. Cut them into 1-inch pieces and cook the same way — 6 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
My sauce turned out too thin. How do I fix it?
Let it simmer a little longer uncovered — 2 to 3 extra minutes will thicken it up. You can also add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan while stirring. Make sure your flour paste was fully cooked before adding the liquid or the sauce will not thicken properly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead and refrigerate separately for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce over medium-low heat, cook fresh pasta, and combine. The pasta absorbs liquid quickly so cooking it fresh gives the best texture.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen but comes together in just 30 minutes. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly coated penne make it a dinner worth repeating. Make it once and it will earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.
- Cut chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until cooked through with no pink remaining and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a paste.
- Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and fully combined.
- Stir in drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked penne. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately.
