Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Sun Dried Tomato & Parmesan Sauce
Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Sun Dried Tomato & Parmesan Sauce
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta has taken the internet by storm for good reason – it’s incredibly delicious, surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sun dried tomato sauce, and rich parmesan creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner date or need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort.
What makes this pasta so special is how the flavors come together in one pan. The sun dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart complexity, while the creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to simmer. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips
Perfect Sauce Consistency: The key to this dish is the creamy sauce. If it becomes too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time. The starch from the pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
Chicken Preparation: For extra tender chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness before cutting. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots. You can also try our Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken for another delicious chicken variation.
Pasta Selection: While penne works wonderfully, you can use any short pasta that holds sauce well. Fettuccine or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that capture the creamy sauce in every bite.
Make Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a lighter version, half-and-half works well, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. You might also enjoy our Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta which uses a similar creamy base.
How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The sun dried tomatoes already provide a nice flavor contrast that balances well with heat.
Is this pasta suitable for meal prep? Yes! This dish holds up well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For more meal prep inspiration, check out our Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta which is specifically designed for weekly meal planning.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly lives up to its name – it’s so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! The combination of flavors and textures creates a memorable dining experience that’s perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Sun Dried Tomato & Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to simmer. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
