Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Stunning 30-Min Meal

Oh, you are going to LOVE this Marry Me Chicken Pasta! Seriously, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to propose to your dinner plate. As Anna, a total food lover who’s all about making everyday cooking joyful and simple, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that deliver big on flavor without taking all night. This creamy, dreamy pasta is exactly that – it’s my go-to when I want something special but only have about 30 minutes to whip it up. It’s packed with rich sun-dried tomato flavor and tender chicken, all coated in this luscious sauce that just screams comfort. My kitchen is usually a little chaotic, but when this pasta is on the menu, everything feels perfectly in order!

Why This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a Must-Try

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly super easy, you’ve found it! This pasta checks all the boxes:

• Speedy Dinner Hero: Seriously, from start to finish, it’s ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re starving and short on time.
• Flavor Explosion: That creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with tender chicken is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s rich, savory, and utterly delicious.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, and satisfying – exactly what you need to unwind after a long day.
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether it’s for your family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is always a hit.

Gather Your Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes together super fast, so having everything prepped makes the whole process a breeze. You’ll need about a pound of chicken, and I love using boneless, skinless breasts or thighs cut into nice bite-sized pieces. Don’t forget your penne pasta – 12 ounces is just right for four servings. For that signature creamy sauce, we’ve got butter, garlic (lots of it!), tomato paste for depth, and a touch of flour to help thicken things up. Chicken broth and heavy cream form the luscious base, while chopped sun-dried tomatoes bring that incredible tangy sweetness. And of course, plenty of grated Parmesan cheese is a must! I’ve listed everything out below with exact measurements, but trust me, having it all ready to go before you start cooking is the real secret weapon.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Amount	Ingredient	Notes
1 lb (450 g)	Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs	Cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp (6 g)	Fine salt	For seasoning chicken and pasta water
1/2 tsp (1 g)	Black pepper	Freshly ground is best!
1 tsp (3 g)	Garlic powder	For the chicken
1 tsp (2 g)	Italian seasoning	Adds a lovely herb note
1 tbsp (15 ml)	Olive oil	For searing the chicken
12 oz (340 g)	Penne pasta	Or your favorite short pasta shape
2 tbsp (28 g)	Unsalted butter	For sautéing aromatics
4–5 cloves	Garlic	Minced (about 12–15 g) – don’t be shy!
1 tbsp (16 g)	Tomato paste	Adds concentrated flavor
1 tbsp (8 g)	All-purpose flour	For thickening the sauce
2 cups (480 ml)	Low-sodium chicken broth	As the sauce base
1 cup (240 ml)	Heavy cream	For that rich, creamy finish
3/4 cup (90 g)	Sun-dried tomatoes	Drained and chopped; oil-packed are great here
1 cup (90 g)	Grated Parmesan cheese	Plus more for serving; finely grate for smooth melting
1/4 tsp	Red pepper flakes (optional)	For a little warmth
2 cups (60 g)	Baby spinach (optional)	For a touch of green and extra nutrients
1 tsp (5 ml)	Lemon juice	Brightens everything up
Salt and black pepper	To taste	Adjust at the end!
2 tbsp	Chopped fresh basil or parsley	For garnish; about 1 tsp dried if fresh isn’t available

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Okay, let’s get cooking! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is designed to be super straightforward, so you can get that amazing dinner on the table without a fuss. Just follow along, and you’ll see how easy it is to create something truly special. Remember, having everything prepped makes a world of difference!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get the star of our dish ready. Toss those chicken pieces with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until they’re nicely coated. Now, heat your olive oil in a big skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken in a single layer – don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t brown properly! Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring just once, until it’s browned and cooked through. Pop it onto a plate. The most important part? Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Safety first!

Cooking the Penne Pasta

While the chicken is doing its thing, get a big pot of water boiling for your pasta. Add a good pinch of salt to the water – it makes the pasta taste so much better! Cook the penne until it’s al dente, which just means it has a little bite to it, according to the package directions. Before you drain it, carefully scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s gold for making your sauce nice and glossy. Then, drain the pasta well.

Crafting the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Now for the magic! Lower the heat under your skillet to medium. Add the butter, and once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30-60 seconds until you can really smell that delicious aroma – but don’t let it burn! Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it around for about 30-60 seconds; this helps thicken our sauce later. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to get rid of any lumps. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and those optional red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Let it bubble away gently for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken up a bit.

Bringing it All Together in Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Time to bring everything together! Stir in that glorious grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and smooth. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in now and stir until it just wilts, which only takes a minute or two. Now, return the cooked chicken and any juices from the plate back into the skillet with the sauce. Add your drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently until the pasta and chicken are beautifully coated in that luscious sauce. If it seems a little too thick, just add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up until it’s perfectly glossy and clings to every piece of pasta.

The Finishing Touches for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

We’re almost there! Stir in the lemon juice – this little bit of brightness really wakes up all the flavors. Give it a taste and add a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Finally, top it all off with that fresh basil or parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese for good measure. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Expert Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Want to make this creamy pasta dish even more amazing? It’s all about a few little tricks! Using good quality ingredients makes a huge difference, but so does how you handle them. Don’t be afraid to really sear that chicken to get a nice crust – it adds so much flavor!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

For the best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; they’re softer and more flavorful. If you can only find dry ones, rehydrate them in hot water first. Finely grating your Parmesan cheese is key – it melts so much smoother into the sauce. If you don’t have penne, any short pasta shape like rotini or farfalle will work perfectly. And for the herbs, fresh basil or parsley makes a world of difference, but if you’re out, about a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil and oregano will do in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Got questions about this delicious pasta? I’ve got answers!

Q: Can I make this creamy chicken pasta ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh because the sauce is at its creamiest. However, you can prep the chicken and chop your veggies ahead of time to speed things up. The cooked pasta and sauce are best combined right before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No sun-dried tomatoes? No problem! For a similar tangy flavor, you could try using roasted red peppers, chopped finely, or even a tablespoon of tomato paste mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is fantastic because the sauce gets into all those ridges, feel free to use rotini, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even fettuccine. Just cook it to al dente according to the package directions.

Q: How can I make this vegetarian?
Easy! Skip the chicken and add some hearty sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even some chickpeas to the sauce. You’ll still get all that amazing creamy flavor.

Q: Is this dish really spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional and add just a gentle warmth, not intense heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, just leave them out entirely. You can always add more at the end if you want to!

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Leftovers of this amazing pasta are a gift from future-you! It’s perfect for lunches or a quick dinner later in the week. The best part is, it reheats beautifully, and I’ve got a few tricks to keep it tasting just as good as when it was freshly made. Just make sure to store it properly so it stays delicious!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Method	Details
Storing Leftovers	Let the pasta cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Double-check that it’s sealed well to keep it fresh.
Reheating on Stovetop	This is my favorite way to reheat! Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and stir frequently until heated through. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out.
Reheating in Microwave	If you’re in a hurry, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or milk, cover loosely, and microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Freezing	You can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months! Store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating using one of the methods above. The sauce might need a little extra liquid when reheating after freezing.

Nutritional Insights for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This is just an estimate, of course, as ingredients can vary slightly! But this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a pretty satisfying meal. Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving:

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	650 kcal
Fat	26 g
Carbohydrates	60 g
Protein	39 g

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