This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is where comfort food and bold flavors come together in one irresistibly creamy dish. Juicy seared chicken bites soak in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, spiced just right with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. When tossed with al dente penne pasta, it creates a hearty, restaurant-style meal you can whip up on a weeknight.

With its creamy texture and crave-worthy taste, this recipe has earned its quirky name by being so good, it’s said to inspire marriage proposals! Whether you’re cooking for date night or just indulging in some serious comfort food, this dish delivers on both flavor and flair.

Ingredients for this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Extra Parmesan, for serving

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. You can omit them if you prefer no heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well here.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or evaporated milk can be substituted, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Can I add vegetables?

Sure! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas make great additions.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and use a meat alternative or extra veggies instead.

Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, dreamy, and downright irresistible, this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that turns a weeknight dinner into something special. With juicy chicken strips seared to perfection and wrapped in a parmesan-laced cream sauce with a sun-dried tomato kick, this pasta is a comfort food hero. It’s fast enough for a quick dinner and fancy enough for a date night.

Whether you’re browsing for quick dinners, creamy pasta ideas, or food that wows with minimal effort, this recipe checks every box. It’s the kind of easy recipe that brings everyone back for seconds—a true crowd-pleaser that earns its name.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Add Parmesan and stir until sauce is smooth.
Return chicken to the skillet and toss with cooked pasta until well coated.
Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner