Creamy marinated chicken pasta has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes! I stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a busy weeknight where I desperately needed something quick yet comforting. The creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh basil creates a dish that feels as special as it tastes, making it perfect not just for dinner at home but even for impressing guests. Trust me; if you’re looking for a recipe that checks all the boxes—easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and deeply satisfying—this is it!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that packs a punch without requiring hours in the kitchen, this creamy Marry Me chicken pasta is your solution. It combines tender pieces of chicken sautéed to golden perfection with a luxurious cream sauce, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
"I made this pasta for my family on a whim, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s rich and comforting, yet so quick to make. Definitely a new favorite!"
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating this creamy delight is straightforward and requires just a few steps. First, you’ll cook the penne pasta to al dente perfection. Then, sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and set them aside. In the same skillet, you’ll whip up a creamy, flavorful sauce with garlic, cream, chicken bouillon, sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Lastly, you’ll combine everything together, adding reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess, and finish with fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious creamy Marry Me chicken pasta:
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (for richness)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Bouillon or Stock (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (avoid pre-grated for smoother sauce)
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (can substitute with oregano and basil)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (or alternate shapes like rigatoni)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (or parsley as an alternative)
Directions to Follow
Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with kosher salt. Cook for around 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken bouillon, then bring it to a simmer.
Add Cheese and Flavor: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens slightly.
Combine: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.
Garnish: Just before serving, top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Best enjoyed warm, consider serving this pasta family-style with a refreshing salad on the side!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta is a showstopper on its own, but you can take it a step further with creative serving ideas. Try plating it in a beautiful dish and topping it with extra parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes for a pop of color. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a sophisticated touch. The leftovers are equally delightful, making this dish perfect for meal prep!
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your creamy Marry Me chicken pasta fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back its creamy consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can overcook the pasta and make the sauce too thick.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure that your creamy pasta turns out perfect every time, consider these tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce; it melts into the dish more effectively than pre-grated cheese.
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water; it’s key to achieving that ideal creamy texture.
- If you like more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Recipe Variations
If you’re in the mood for a twist on this recipe, here are some creative variations:
- Swap out penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
- Try adding spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients and color.
- For a Mediterranean flair, incorporate olives and feta cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time for the creamy Marry Me chicken pasta is approximately 10-15 minutes, while cooking will take an additional 20-25 minutes. So, it’s quite quick overall, taking less than an hour to prepare.
Can I freeze the creamy chicken pasta?
Yes, you can freeze what’s left of your dish! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for up to two months. Reheat it thoroughly once you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes. Adjust the flavor accordingly, and you’ll still achieve a delicious dish.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Professional Knife Set
A sharp and reliable knife set is essential for quick and efficient chopping and slicing. With the right tools, prepping your ingredients becomes a breeze!
Bamboo Cutting Board Set
These durable and practical cutting boards offer a great surface for all your prep work. They are easy to clean and gentle on your knives for long-lasting use!
Mixing Bowls Set
This space-saving set of mixing bowls is perfect for ingredient prep or tossing salads. Their nesting design makes them easy to store without taking up too much space.
Enjoy crafting this creamy Marry Me chicken pasta that is sure to steal the hearts of anyone who tries it!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (for richness)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Bouillon or Stock (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (avoid pre-grated for smoother sauce)
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (can substitute with oregano and basil)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (or alternate shapes like rigatoni)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (or parsley as an alternative)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with kosher salt. Cook for around 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken bouillon, then bring it to a simmer.
- Add Cheese and Flavor: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Garnish: Just before serving, top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
Best enjoyed warm. Consider serving with a refreshing salad on the side. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg