Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: boneless chicken breasts; penne pasta; heavy cream; sun-dried tomatoes; fresh parsley; garlic cloves; parmesan cheese; olive oil; Italian seasoning; salt and pepper

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

I discovered this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe during a particularly challenging week when I needed something comforting and satisfying. The name alone intrigued me - who wouldn't want to try a dish with such a romantic promise? As I gathered the ingredients, I was amazed at how simple the component list was, yet I could already envision how they would transform into something magical. The first time I made it, I was nervous about getting the cream sauce just right, but as I watched the heavy cream swirl with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, creating this gorgeous golden sauce, I knew I was onto something special. The way the tender chicken pieces nestled into the creamy penne, topped with that fresh parsley, created such a beautiful and appetizing presentation. Each bite was a perfect balance of creamy richness, savory chicken, and the bright acidity from the sun-dried tomatoes. It truly lived up to its name - this is definitely the kind of dish that could make someone fall in love, whether with the cook or just with the incredible flavors dancing on their palate.

Why I love this recipe

What I absolutely love most about this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how it manages to be both incredibly elegant and wonderfully approachable at the same time. There's something so satisfying about creating a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen with ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. The texture contrast is perfection - those tender, juicy chicken pieces against the perfectly cooked al dente pasta, all enveloped in that silky, luxurious cream sauce. But it's not just about the textures; the flavor profile is what really makes this dish shine. The sun-dried tomatoes provide these little bursts of concentrated, tangy sweetness that cut through the richness of the cream, while the fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that keeps everything balanced. I love how the garlic infuses the entire dish with its aromatic warmth, and the parmesan cheese adds that nutty, salty depth that makes every bite more complex than the last. This recipe has become my secret weapon for impressing dinner guests, but it's also comforting enough for a quiet weeknight when I want to treat myself to something truly special. It's the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and just savor the moment.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Boneless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces and season well
Penne pasta: Cook until al dente according to package directions
Heavy cream: Use full-fat cream for the richest sauce
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chop roughly and reserve any oil for extra flavor
Fresh parsley: Chop finely and add at the end for freshness
Garlic cloves: Mince finely and sauté until fragrant
Parmesan cheese: Grate fresh for the best melting and flavor

Let's Make These Together

Prepare your ingredients first: Start by cutting your chicken into even bite-sized pieces and seasoning them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Chop your sun-dried tomatoes, mince the garlic, and have your parsley ready. This mise en place approach will make the cooking process much smoother.
Cook pasta to perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency later.
Golden brown chicken technique: Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop that beautiful golden crust, then flip and cook until cooked through.
Build the aromatic base: Using the same skillet with all those delicious chicken drippings, add your minced garlic and cook just until fragrant - about 1 minute. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them warm through, releasing their concentrated flavors into the pan.
Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce. This is where the magic happens!
Bring it all together: Return your golden chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently, allowing the sauce to coat every piece of pasta and chicken. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency.

Recipe picture — Homemade creamy chicken pasta dinner featuring sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and golden pasta tubes | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first made this recipe on a rainy Tuesday when I was craving something incredibly comforting. I had some leftover sun-dried tomatoes in my fridge and thought they'd be perfect in a creamy pasta dish. As I was cooking, the aroma filling my kitchen was absolutely divine - that combination of garlic, cream, and herbs just made my whole house smell like an Italian restaurant. When I took my first bite, the creamy sauce coating those perfectly al dente penne noodles was pure heaven. The chicken was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, and those sun-dried tomatoes added just the right amount of tangy sweetness. I knew I had created something special when my neighbor knocked on my door asking what smelled so amazing. Now it's become my go-to recipe whenever I want to treat myself to something truly delicious.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad and some warm garlic bread to soak up that incredible sauce. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the rich cream sauce perfectly, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a nice fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.

Delicious marry me chicken pasta dish with fresh parsley garnish and perfectly cooked penne noodles | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?: Absolutely! While penne works beautifully because the sauce gets trapped in the tubes, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just adjust cooking times according to the package directions.
→ How can I make this recipe lighter?: You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. You could also use Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?: This dish is best served immediately, but you can prep the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
→ What if I can't find sun-dried tomatoes?: You can substitute with cherry tomatoes cut in half, roasted red peppers, or even omit them entirely. The dish will still be delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
→ How do I store leftovers?: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency, as it tends to thicken when cold.
→ Can I freeze this recipe?: While possible, cream-based pasta dishes don't freeze particularly well as the sauce may separate when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy comfort and sophisticated flavors. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes create a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home. It's the kind of dish that brings people together around the dinner table and creates lasting memories.