Creamy Chicken Pasta

Featured in Pasta and Noodles.

This popular chicken and pasta combo offers rich, restaurant-worthy flavors in a flash. Juicy chicken soaks up the decadent cream sauce made vibrant by sun-dried tomatoes, which burst with flavor. The thick sauce hugs the pasta perfectly, creating a dinner that's fancy but so easy to whip up. Great for any casual night or a date night treat!
punchofyummy
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:04:48 GMT
A creamy chicken pasta with penne, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley in a delicious sauce. Pin it
A creamy chicken pasta with penne, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley in a delicious sauce. | pinchofyummy.com

I started making this Marry Me Chicken Pasta for date nights, but it quickly turned into our go-to family meal. The combination of those tangy sun dried tomatoes swirling with the velvety sauce and juicy chicken chunks over al dente pasta creates something truly wonderful in just half an hour.

Why You'll Love This

This meal nails every flavor profile - smooth, zesty, and indulgent without feeling too heavy. Those sun dried tomatoes give little pops of flavor that really brighten each bite. The best thing? It's so fast to whip up that you can turn any ordinary evening into something memorable.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken Breasts: Two big ones chopped into bite-sized pieces.
  • Penne: One pound cooked to perfection.
  • Olive Oil: Two tablespoons to brown your chicken.
  • Garlic: Four cloves finely chopped.
  • Butter: Two tablespoons for creaminess.
  • Flour: One tablespoon to create thickness.
  • Chicken Broth: One cup for rich flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: One cup for ultimate smoothness.
  • Parmesan: One cup freshly shredded.
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes: Half cup cut into strips.
  • Seasonings: Paprika Italian herbs salt pepper.
  • Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh finishing touch.

Cooking Steps

Prepare Your Pasta
Boil your penne and keep some cooking water handy.
Cook The Chicken
Add plenty of seasoning and cook until perfectly done.
Create The Sauce
Start with butter garlic flour then pour in broth and cream.
Mix In Flavors
Stir in Parmesan tomatoes and herbs to blend together.
Combine Everything
Mix all components so they can blend nicely.
Add Final Touches
Sprinkle with basil maybe more cheese because you deserve it.

Storage Tips

Stores wonderfully for four days in your fridge. Heat it gently with a bit of cream to restore that silky texture. Makes an amazing next-day lunch that everyone will envy.

A bowl of creamy pasta with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Pin it
A bowl of creamy pasta with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. | pinchofyummy.com

Tasty Variations

Swap chicken for shrimp or use portobello mushrooms for veggie nights. Want some heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Going gluten free? Just change the pasta type. Playing with different cheeses like gruyere can create amazing new flavors.

Great Side Dishes

A chunk of warm garlic bread works wonders for scooping up sauce. Try a simple green salad for balance. Colorful roasted vegetables add nutrition and appeal. And don't forget a nice glass of white wine to feel extra fancy.

Common Questions

You can use any pasta shape that makes you happy. This dish works great made ahead and warmed up later. It freezes well just add fresh basil when serving. Looking for something lighter? Try using half and half instead of heavy cream.

Totally Worth It

No matter if you're cooking for your partner family dinner or just yourself this pasta always hits the spot. It's that perfect balance between easy and impressive that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

A bowl of creamy penne pasta topped with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Pin it
A bowl of creamy penne pasta topped with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Where does the name Marry Me Chicken come from?
The name hints at how good it tastes—some say it's so delicious it might spark a marriage proposal. It's perfect for a romantic night in.
→ Can I change the pasta shape?
Absolutely! Pick medium-sized shapes, like fusilli, rigatoni, or bow ties, since they grab onto the sauce nicely.
→ What swaps work for sun-dried tomatoes?
You could try roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes. The taste won't be the same since sun-dried ones bring bold sweetness.
→ Is this something I can prepare ahead?
Yes, it's great reheated. Add a splash of broth or cream when warming up to keep the sauce silky smooth.
→ What's the secret to smooth sauce?
Keep the heat low while simmering and reheating. Add cream slowly, whisking to keep it silky without breaking apart.

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Tender chicken and pasta with sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy cheesy sauce—just right for a special meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Pasta and Noodles

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Skinless boneless chicken - 1 1/2 pounds.
02 Pasta (penne) - 10 ounces.
03 Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon.
04 Salt - 1/2 teaspoon.
05 Butter - 3 tablespoons.
06 Olive oil - 1 tablespoon.
07 Garlic, finely chopped - 2 teaspoons.
08 Flour, plain - 3 tablespoons.
09 Heavy cream - 1 cup.
10 Chicken stock - 2 cups.
11 Parmesan, shredded - 1 cup.
12 Seasoning (Italian blend) - 2 teaspoons.
13 Tomatoes, sun-dried and drained - 1 cup.
14 Paprika powder - 1 teaspoon.
15 Fresh basil leaves to decorate.

Instructions

Step 01

Follow the package to cook the pasta, then drain and leave it aside.

Step 02

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken and cook it for about 6-8 minutes in oil until done.

Step 03

Melt the butter first, then quickly cook the garlic (about 30 seconds). Stir in flour to form a paste-like mix.

Step 04

Gradually whisk in stock, cream, and cheese. Mix in tomatoes and spices, then let it thicken over heat.

Step 05

Re-add chicken to the pan with cooked pasta. Stir everything to cover thoroughly in sauce.

Step 06

Sprinkle some fresh basil on top. Add extra cheese if you like.

Notes

  1. You can substitute with another medium pasta.
  2. Adding cream slowly keeps the sauce smooth.
  3. Make ahead and warm it gently later.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big skillet.
  • Pot for pasta.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Includes wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 646
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 41 g