It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. You need a meal that feels special but takes very little effort. This marry me chicken pasta is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers. It is creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying for the whole family. You will love how fast it comes together in just one pan.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a winner because it tastes like a fancy restaurant meal. It is perfect for a cozy fall weeknight at home. The sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely sweetness to the rich cream sauce. Your kids will love the tender chicken and cheesy pasta. It is truly a stress-free meal that requires minimal cleanup after dinner.
Simple Method
You can make this dish even if you are a beginner. First, you boil the pasta until it is perfectly tender. Then, you sear the chicken until it turns golden brown. The sauce comes together in the same pan to save time. It is a simple process that yields professional results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, julienned
Step-by-Step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken until cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat. Incorporate reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish with julienned basil and serve immediately.
Make It a Meal
Serve this warm with a side of crusty garlic bread. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the creamy sauce perfectly. For a special date night, light a few candles for a romantic vibe. This marry me chicken pasta feels elegant without all the kitchen stress.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to the pan. Warm it over low heat to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. This prevents the chicken from becoming tough in the microwave.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water for a silky sauce texture.
- Avoid burning the garlic to prevent a bitter aftertaste in the cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese so it melts into the sauce perfectly.
- Prep all your ingredients before turning on the stove to stay organized.
- Add a handful of fresh baby spinach for an easy nutritional boost.
- Double the red pepper flakes if your family loves a spicy kick.
- Use a wide skillet to give the chicken plenty of room to brown.
Make It Your Own
- Swap the chicken for large shrimp for a quick seafood variation.
- Use gluten-free penne to make this meal safe for sensitive tummies.
- Stir in roasted bell peppers for extra color and seasonal flavor.
- Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce a few hours early. However, the pasta is best when tossed and served immediately. The sauce stays the creamiest right off the stove.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish. They stay very juicy and tender during the searing process. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Will my kids find this too spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a very mild warmth to the dish. If your children are sensitive, you can easily omit them. The marry me chicken pasta will still taste amazing and savory.
I hope this creamy pasta brings a little joy to your table tonight. It is the perfect way to end a long day with something delicious. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 cup sun -dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, julienned
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken until cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat. Incorporate reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish with julienned basil and serve immediately.
