Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavor, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that lives up to its romantic name. This irresistible skillet meal features tender, golden-seared chicken breast served over al dente pasta coated in a sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or simply craving something satisfying after a long day, this recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your kitchen.

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It comes together quickly using pantry staples and a single pan, yet feels elegant and indulgent enough for any special occasion. The creamy sauce hugs every bite of penne pasta, while the chicken adds a juicy, protein-packed punch. A touch of garlic and a sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end bring this dish full circle.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • It’s a one-skillet wonder with minimal cleanup.
  • Bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
  • Creamy, cheesy, and ultra comforting.
  • Can be made in under 40 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
  • Looks and tastes like a restaurant dish.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne is the classic pick for this dish because it holds onto that creamy sauce beautifully with every tube. However, feel free to use rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when combined with the sauce.


Ingredients for the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to create a rich, layered flavor that keeps you coming back for more:

  • Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and seared to golden perfection.
  • Penne pasta – A sturdy, sauce-loving pasta that gives this dish its hearty base.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes – Sweet-tart and chewy, they deepen the flavor of the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic – Adds that essential savory kick.
  • Heavy cream – The backbone of the rich and silky sauce.
  • Chicken broth – Balances the richness and helps stretch the sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese – Salty and nutty, it melts beautifully into the cream.
  • Italian seasoning – Adds a medley of herbs for authentic flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes – Optional, for a little heat.
  • Olive oil and butter – Used to sear the chicken and flavor the base.
  • Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and freshness at the end.

How To Make the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden on both sides and fully cooked. Remove and slice.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté briefly, then deglaze with chicken broth. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, more Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Let it simmer gently.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Combine

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Nestle in the sliced chicken, spooning sauce over the top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot and creamy!


Serving and Storing This Pasta Dish

This recipe makes about 4 generous portions, perfect for a cozy family dinner or two days of meal prep. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, comforting presentation.

For storage, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture. Avoid freezing—the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.


What to Serve With Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Toasted slices of garlic bread are perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and tangy dressing cut through the richness beautifully.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a bright, earthy element that complements the creamy base.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on skewers for a fresh, bite-sized starter.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roast until golden and toss with balsamic glaze for a punchy side.

Sauteed Spinach

Light and garlicky, it balances the hearty pasta.

Lemon-Herb Zucchini

A citrusy side to contrast the richness.


Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this creamy pasta dish, you’ll want to try these other satisfying and delicious dinners:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or switch up the pasta? Did you sneak in a little white wine?

I love seeing how others personalize these recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with more joy.

Explore more easy dinner ideas and comforting recipes on Nora Nosh’s Pinterest.

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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Looking for a cozy, flavorful dinner idea that feels like a hug in a bowl? This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers everything you want in a quick dinner—juicy pan-seared chicken, a rich and velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and pasta that clings to every bite of goodness. It’s an easy recipe perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. This comforting one-skillet wonder is packed with flavor and loaded with creamy texture that turns everyday ingredients into a crave-worthy meal. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, indulgent pasta meals, or romantic food ideas, this dish hits all the marks.


Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

8 oz penne pasta

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and slice.

4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes.

5. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits.

6. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 4–5 minutes.

7. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain.

8. Toss the pasta in the sauce until fully coated.

9. Add sliced chicken on top and spoon sauce over.

10. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta—it will finish in the sauce for best texture.

A splash of white wine added before the cream can elevate the flavor even more.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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