Description
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces simmered in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta, and finished with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color. This comforting and flavorful pasta is perfect for a delightful dinner that feels both special and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
For the pasta:
- 10 oz penne pasta
For the sauce:
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for best flavor)
- 3 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold for richness)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp minced garlic (fresh preferred)
For the garnish:
- Fresh basil (torn just before serving)
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until they are no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to make a paste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and pasta well in the creamy sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving. The fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking of the bite-sized pieces.
- Room temperature heavy cream helps the sauce stay smooth when added.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after combining all ingredients.
- For extra richness, Kerrygold butter is recommended but any quality unsalted butter works well.
- Fresh basil is best added just before serving to preserve its bright flavor and color.
- If desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for more cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy chicken dinner, penne pasta recipe, one pan chicken pasta
