Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh parsley

Creamy chicken pasta with golden penne, tender chicken pieces, and sun-dried tomatoes in rich cream sauce | lonerecipes.com

I discovered this recipe during one of those moments when you're standing in front of an open fridge, wondering what magic you can create with what's available. The name "Marry Me Chicken Pasta" immediately caught my attention - I mean, how could it not? When I first made it, I was skeptical that something so simple could live up to such a bold name. But as soon as I took that first bite, I understood completely. The chicken is seasoned perfectly and stays incredibly tender, while the cream sauce is rich without being heavy. The sun-dried tomatoes add these little bursts of concentrated flavor that make every bite interesting. What I love most is how the pasta absorbs just enough of the sauce to be perfectly coated without being swimming in cream. The fresh parsley isn't just garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that balances all that richness. This recipe has become my secret weapon for impressing dinner guests, and honestly, it impresses me every single time I make it. It's the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor each forkful.

Why I love this recipe

There's something truly special about a recipe that can make an ordinary weeknight feel like a celebration, and that's exactly what this Marry Me Chicken Pasta does. I love how it strikes the perfect balance between being incredibly flavorful and surprisingly approachable for home cooks. The technique is straightforward - no fancy culinary skills required - but the results taste absolutely restaurant-quality. What really wins me over is the texture contrast: tender chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and that silky cream sauce that coats everything just right. The sun-dried tomatoes are genius here - they add this concentrated, slightly tangy flavor that prevents the dish from being one-dimensional. I also appreciate how this recipe scales beautifully; whether I'm cooking for two or hosting a dinner party, it always delivers. The leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully, which is rare for cream-based pasta dishes. But honestly, what I love most is the reaction it gets - that moment of silence when people take their first bite, followed by the inevitable "Oh my god, this is incredible!" It's become my signature dish, and I'm not even a little bit sorry about that.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Penne pasta: Cook until al dente according to package directions
Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper
Heavy cream: Use for creating the rich, creamy sauce base
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chop roughly to distribute throughout the dish
Garlic: Mince finely for even distribution and flavor
Parmesan cheese: Grate freshly for the best melting and flavor
Fresh parsley: Chop finely for garnish and fresh flavor contrast

Let's Make These Together

Prepare pasta base: Start by cooking your penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. The key is to cook it just until al dente - it should have a slight bite to it since it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce. Before draining, reserve a full cup of the starchy pasta water as this will be your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later.
Season and cook chicken: While the pasta cooks, cut your chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust, then flip and cook until completely cooked through.
Create the cream sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan with all those delicious browned bits, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant - about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let this simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the tomatoes release their concentrated flavors.
Bring it all together: Return the golden chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together with tongs, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky, cohesive sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately while hot.

Recipe picture — Comfort food at its finest - creamy chicken pasta with herbs and vegetables in white bowl | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first made this dish on a rainy Tuesday when I was craving something comforting but special. I had planned to make regular chicken alfredo, but then I spotted those sun-dried tomatoes in my pantry and thought, why not? The moment I tasted the first forkful, I knew I had stumbled onto something magical. The cream sauce was silky and rich, the chicken was perfectly seasoned, and those sun-dried tomatoes added just the right amount of tangy sweetness. My partner took one bite and jokingly said, "If this is what you cook when it's raining, maybe I should hope for more storms!" Now it's become our go-to recipe for special occasions and cozy nights in. The best part? It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together in less than an hour.

Perfect Pairings

This rich and creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For wine pairings, try a medium-bodied Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that won't compete with the cream sauce. If you prefer red wine, a light Chianti works wonderfully. For a complete meal, serve with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to add some fresh vegetables to the plate.

Delicious marry me chicken pasta garnished with fresh parsley and colorful sun-dried tomatoes | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?: Absolutely! While penne works perfectly because its tubes hold the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?: This dish is best served immediately, but you can prep the components ahead. Cook chicken and make sauce separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
→ What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?: You can substitute with cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even leave them out entirely. The dish will still be delicious, though the sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful concentrated flavor.
→ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?: Heavy cream is recommended for the richest, most stable sauce. If using milk, add a tablespoon of flour to help thicken and prevent curdling.
→ How do I store leftovers?: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its romantic name with every creamy, flavorful bite. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich cream sauce creates the perfect comfort food experience. It's elegant enough for date night yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. The sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Once you try this recipe, you'll understand why it has such a memorable name!