Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience: Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This beloved dish takes the internet-famous “Marry Me Chicken” recipe and transforms it into a hearty, satisfying pasta meal, perfect for any night of the week. Imagine tender pieces of seasoned chicken, al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with irresistible flavors. It’s a complete meal in one pan, designed to impress even the most discerning palates and leave everyone craving more.
The original “Marry Me Chicken” earned its name because it’s so incredibly delicious, many joke that anyone who eats it will want to propose! We’ve taken that magic and elevated it with the addition of a robust pasta, making it even more fulfilling and perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of savory notes that will make you fall in love with dinner all over again.
What makes this pasta dish truly special is its unique blend of ingredients. Sun-dried tomatoes contribute a concentrated, sweet-tart depth, while fresh garlic and herbs infuse the creamy sauce with an aromatic warmth. Even those who claim not to enjoy sun-dried tomatoes often find themselves converted by this recipe, as their flavor melds seamlessly into the luxurious cream sauce, creating an unparalleled taste. Get ready to add this to your regular rotation, because it’s destined to become a new favorite!
Quick and Irresistible: Weeknight Marry Me Chicken Pasta
For those busy evenings when you need a delicious yet swift dinner solution, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. This recipe is specifically designed to bring an extraordinary meal to your table in approximately 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free weeknight dinner. Drawing inspiration from the wildly popular “Marry Me Chicken,” this pasta variation delivers the same “out-of-this-world” flavor profile in a more substantial, pasta-infused format. If you’re already familiar with the incredible taste of my other “Marry Me Chicken” recipes, prepare for an even more satisfying experience with the addition of hearty penne pasta.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance: rich and creamy, yet wonderfully flavorful, ensuring a truly comforting and filling meal. It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t adore these flavors once they’ve tried them. The combination of succulent chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a deeply savory sauce, enhanced by the subtle tang of sun-dried tomatoes, creates a culinary masterpiece that appeals to nearly everyone. Don’t let the name intimidate you; this recipe is incredibly approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, promising a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Guide
While penne pasta is highly recommended for its ability to perfectly hold the rich, creamy sauce and provide a satisfying texture in every bite, this recipe is quite flexible. You can certainly substitute it with other pasta shapes you have on hand. Fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie), or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that will also capture the sauce beautifully. Remember to adjust the cooking time according to the specific package instructions for your chosen pasta to ensure it cooks to al dente perfection.
The key to tender, juicy chicken is to avoid overcooking. Cook the chicken pieces just until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside; it will finish warming through when it’s added back to the sauce, preventing it from becoming rubbery or dry.
If you enjoy a bit of heat to liven up your meals, it’s incredibly easy to add a spicy kick to this dish. Simply stir in a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings when you add the sun-dried tomatoes and paprika to the sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more to achieve your desired level of spice. This subtle addition will elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the dish’s inherent creaminess.
This robust pasta dish is quite substantial on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to create a complete and balanced meal. A classic choice is a side of crusty garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce. A fresh green salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette, also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. For an extra special touch, consider making an Olive Garden-style salad with Olive Garden Salad Dressing.
Yes, some components of this dish can be prepared in advance to save time on a busy day. You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta fresh, gently reheat the sauce over low heat (stirring occasionally to prevent separation), and then combine everything together. This strategy makes assembling dinner incredibly quick and easy.
Absolutely! Adding extra vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value and complexity of this dish. Mushrooms, bell peppers (red or yellow for a pop of color), or zucchini are excellent choices. To incorporate them, simply sauté your chosen vegetables in the skillet after cooking the chicken and before melting the butter for the sauce. Cook them until they are tender-crisp, then proceed with the recipe as directed. Spinach can also be wilted into the sauce at the very end.
Don’t worry, a sauce that’s too thick is a common and easily fixable issue! Pasta has a tendency to soak up liquid, especially as it sits. If your sauce becomes too dense, you can easily thin it out by stirring in a little more chicken broth or a splash of milk (or even a touch more heavy cream) until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. Add it gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s perfect.
For a hands-off approach, you can adapt the “Marry Me Chicken” component for your slow cooker. Use my Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe as your base. Once the chicken and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker, prepare the penne pasta separately on the stovetop. Then, simply stir the cooked pasta into the Crock Pot with the chicken and sauce during the last few minutes of cooking, ensuring everything is well coated. The slow cooker version typically yields plenty of sauce to embrace all the pasta.
If you’re looking for the original, simpler version without the pasta, you’ll want to refer to my classic Marry Me Chicken stovetop dinner recipe. That recipe focuses solely on the incredibly flavorful chicken and sauce, making it a delicious and versatile main course that can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite roasted vegetables. It’s equally delightful and just as easy to prepare.
Leftovers of Marry Me Chicken Pasta are fantastic and can be stored in a couple of ways. Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Crafting the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful dish:
- Penne Pasta: Approximately 8 ounces, which is half of a standard 16-ounce box. Penne is ideal because its tubular shape and ridged surface perfectly cradle the creamy sauce. However, feel free to use similar-sized pasta like rigatoni or ziti.
- Chicken Breasts: Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (roughly 1.5 pounds). These provide lean protein and cook quickly. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative if preferred.
- Olive Oil: Essential for browning the chicken and sautéing aromatics. Any neutral-flavored cooking oil will also work well.
- Butter: Forms the base of our rich roux, contributing a silky texture and decadent flavor to the sauce.
- Small Yellow Onion: Finely diced, it adds a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the most potent and authentic flavor. If fresh isn’t available, jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch, though the flavor might be slightly milder.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used to create a roux, thickening the sauce to a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base for the sauce. Opt for low-sodium or no-sodium broth if you’re watching your sodium intake, allowing you to control the seasoning more precisely.
- Heavy Cream: The star ingredient for that signature rich and velvety sauce. For a slightly lighter but still creamy result, half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, though the sauce may be a bit thinner.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor, but the pre-grated variety in the green container also works fine for convenience.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are a signature component of “Marry Me Chicken.” Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes in the canned vegetable aisle. Their intense, sweet-tart flavor is crucial. If you’re truly averse, you can omit them, but they are highly recommended for the authentic taste. You can always pick them out before eating if you wish, but allow them to cook with the dish for flavor infusion.
- Paprika: Contributes a warm, earthy flavor and a lovely reddish hue to the sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, the dish will still be delicious without it, so don’t feel obligated to make a special trip to the store.
- Oregano: A classic herb that complements the Mediterranean-inspired flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken beautifully.
- Fresh Basil: Used as a garnish, fresh basil adds a vibrant, aromatic finish and a pop of color to the final dish. While optional, it greatly enhances the overall experience.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this incredibly flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your dinner table in just over half an hour.
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente – tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the 1-inch chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned on all sides and fully cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate; its flavorful drippings will remain in the pan for the sauce.
- Build the Roux: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the finely diced small yellow onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and the onion begins to soften. Then, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook the roux for another minute, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste.
- Create the Creamy Sauce Base: Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking vigorously as you add it to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook until it thickens to your desired consistency, typically about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should be rich and capable of coating the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken pieces and the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce. Garnish generously with fresh basil, if using, for an added burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy this truly captivating Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm!
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature, steaming the chicken instead of browning it, which affects flavor and texture.
- Whisk Continuously for a Smooth Sauce: When adding the flour and then the broth, consistent whisking is crucial to prevent lumps in your sauce. This creates a silky, smooth base that is the hallmark of a great creamy pasta dish.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before combining it with the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, and any other seasonings as needed. The flavors will develop further as the sauce simmers, so fine-tune them for optimal taste.
- Pasta Water is Your Friend: While this recipe calls for draining pasta, reserving a small amount of the starchy pasta water (about half a cup) can be a lifesaver. If your sauce becomes too thick later, a splash of pasta water can help thin it out and bind it to the pasta, thanks to its starch content.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While optional, don’t skip the fresh basil garnish if possible. Fresh herbs add a vibrant aroma and a beautiful finish that truly elevates the dish, making it feel more gourmet.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you loved this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll be thrilled to explore other variations and similar comforting dishes. Dive into these other fantastic recipes that promise flavor and satisfaction:
- Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
- Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
- Marry Me Chicken (Stovetop Version)
- Marry Me Chicken & Rice
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta
- Chicken Pesto Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A creamy and flavorful sauce with pasta, sundried tomatoes, and tender chicken.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 1 vote.
Prep Time: 15 minutes |
Cook Time: 20 minutes |
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 |
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta (½ a 16 ounce box)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- chopped fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 Tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 small yellow onion, finely diced, 2 garlic cloves, minced and stir for a minute then add 2 Tablespoons flour, whisking continuously to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in 1 cup chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir until fully mixed.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon oregano. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add in the cooked pasta and cooked chicken into the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil (optional) and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Dinner, Main Course |
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 744 kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 39g | Sodium: 1230mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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We hope you enjoy making and savoring this incredible Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s truly a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories around the dinner table. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!