Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is everything you crave in a comfort meal—rich, creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor. Perfectly seared chicken breasts rest on a bed of tender penne pasta, coated in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that clings to every bite. The hint of garlic, the subtle tang of parmesan, and the touch of spice from crushed red pepper flakes bring this dish to life.

It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make, ideal for date nights, cozy dinners, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The bold flavors and velvety texture make it a dish worthy of its romantic name—because after one bite, you just might get a proposal!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Bursting with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs
• Easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for special occasions
• One-pan sauce and straightforward steps make cleanup minimal
• Rich, creamy texture that satisfies every pasta craving

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish smooth from start to finish, a few essential tools can make all the difference:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is your main workspace where the sauce and pasta come together. Choose a nonstick or stainless steel pan for even cooking.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing chicken breasts evenly and finely chopping garlic and herbs.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping the chicken and tossing the pasta without breaking it.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: To stir the sauce gently and scrape up flavor-packed bits from the pan.
• Pot for Boiling Pasta: A deep pot helps prevent pasta from sticking while cooking.

Each tool plays a key role in maintaining texture, flavor, and ease of movement through the cooking steps.

Preparation Tips

Start by bringing your pasta water to a boil while prepping your ingredients to save time. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and more surface area for that golden sear. Don’t rush the browning step—that crust is where much of the flavor lies. Use oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar for added richness when sautéing. And when creating the sauce, slowly incorporate the heavy cream after deglazing the pan to avoid curdling and to build a velvety finish. Finish everything off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Ingredients for this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably from the sun-dried tomato jar)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mix generously over both sides of the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Remove and let rest; slice before serving.

---

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

---

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet used for chicken, lower the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

---

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

---

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

---

Step 6: Add the Chicken and Serve

Return sliced chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the pasta. Let it sit for a minute or two so the flavors meld. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finish. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged shreds—it melts more smoothly into the sauce. You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as creamy. If sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are unavailable, rehydrate dry ones in hot water for 10 minutes before use.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: Always monitor internal temperature and remove the chicken from the pan once it hits 165°F to avoid dry, tough meat.
• Not seasoning properly: Skipping seasoning on both the chicken and sauce will result in a bland dish—layer flavors generously.
• Rushing the sauce: Letting the sauce simmer and thicken is key to achieving that creamy texture; don’t turn up the heat too high or it may split.
• Adding cheese too early: Parmesan should be added after the cream is heated but not boiling. Boiling can cause it to clump or become gritty.
• Neglecting to save pasta water: This starchy liquid helps bind and adjust sauce consistency; always reserve some before draining.

---

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the cream sauce can separate. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Cholesterol: 120mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work well with this creamy sauce.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs can be used and will provide a juicier bite. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and sun-dried tomatoes are gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can omit the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms or spinach as the main component instead.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the creamy, savory flavors.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and prep the sauce a day ahead. Cook pasta fresh for best texture and combine everything when ready to serve.

---

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a dinner—it’s a dish with presence. Its creamy richness, bold flavors, and beautiful presentation make it a standout for any night of the week, from casual meals to romantic evenings. With easy steps and wholesome ingredients, you’re one pan away from a meal that lives up to its name—just one bite might be all it takes to win someone’s heart!

---

Print