Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Pasta is one of those dishes that instantly elevates a weeknight dinner into something special. Imagine tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety cream sauce, tossed together with al dente penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of spice. This recipe became a favorite in my kitchen after I first served it to friends and received rave reviews, earning its nickname as a dish that could inspire any romantic proposal. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends, Creamy Marry Me Chicken is bound to impress!
Reasons to Try It
What makes this recipe stand out? For starters, it is a wholesome dish that combines protein, carbs, and delightful flavors in one pan. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for special gatherings, ensuring you can please both your family and your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
“I made Creamy Marry Me Chicken for a dinner party, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I received! It’s comforting, delicious, and perfect with a side salad and wine.” – Happy Home Cook
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Pasta is a breeze! You’ll start by cooking the penne pasta. Meanwhile, you’ll prepare and cook the chicken, then create a luxurious sauce packed with flavor. The final step involves combining everything and garnishing it to serve. It’s a straightforward process that delivers impressive results.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items to create your delicious meal:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic (smashed and minced)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and cut into pieces)
- 1½ tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Feel free to swap out chicken breast for thighs or use gluten-free pasta for a dietary adjustment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a pot of salted water, cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Slice the chicken breast into cutlets and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Dredge the chicken cutlets in this mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the finely diced onions and smashed garlic. Sauté until they are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, adding in the cooked pasta and a little reserved pasta water if needed. Toss everything together until well coated. Serve garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This dish shines on its own, but you can elevate your meal even more. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the creaminess, while garlic bread adds a delightful crunch. For beverage pairings, consider a nice Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir, which can help balance the creamy sauce.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, either warm it on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth or use the microwave for a quick meal. Be cautious not to overheat, as the cream can separate.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through (165°F is ideal).
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water; it adds starch and creaminess to the sauce.
- Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor — consider adding chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix things up! Try adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. For a kick, incorporate more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, substitute half and half for heavy cream or use a plant-based cream alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prep time for Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Pasta?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for cooking.
Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, you can substitute with fusilli, farfalle, or any pasta shape you prefer.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you wish to freeze it, consider storing the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Professional Knife Set
A sharp and reliable knife set takes the stress out of food prep. It helps ensure you can slice and chop ingredients with ease.
Bamboo Cutting Board Set
This durable and practical cutting board set makes food prep clean and efficient. They are easy on your knife blades and perfect for various tasks!
Mixing Bowls Set
A versatile set of mixing bowls is a must-have for any kitchen. They serve all your mixing, marinating, and serving needs!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Chicken with Pasta
An indulgent yet approachable dish of tender chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, served with al dente penne pasta and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic (smashed and minced)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and cut into pieces)
- 1½ tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a pot of salted water, cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Slice the chicken breast into cutlets and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Dredge the chicken cutlets in this mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the finely diced onions and smashed garlic. Sauté until they are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, adding in the cooked pasta and a little reserved pasta water if needed. Toss everything together until well coated. Serve garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through (165°F is ideal). Reserve pasta water for added creaminess. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg