Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner idea that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or any time you want to impress with a creamy, dreamy, easy recipe. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and a rich garlic cream sauce hug every bite of pasta. It’s the kind of easy dinner that feels fancy, delivers comfort, and leaves no leftovers behind. A must-add to your list of easy food ideas, pasta recipes, and quick dinner favorites!
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Set aside and slice.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook for 2–3 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer. Stir in heavy cream and let sauce thicken for 5 minutes. Add parmesan and stir until smooth.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and toss everything together. Add pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve hot topped with more parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
For the best texture, cook pasta al dente and avoid overcooking.
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and adds superior flavor compared to pre-shredded.
A splash of pasta water can help adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy recipe, pasta, creamy chicken pasta, dinner ideas, marry me chicken, quick pasta dinner, sun-dried tomato pasta