Dinner

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

ByLily Cross January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Introduction

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s sure to impress your family or guests.

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish in a wooden bowl shows about two layers of penne pasta, which is coated in a smooth, light yellow cheese sauce. Small pieces of cooked chicken with a light golden-brown texture are mixed evenly throughout the pasta, creating the second texture layer. Bright red sun-dried tomato pieces and fresh green basil leaves are scattered throughout, adding splashes of color and freshness. A silver fork lifts a portion of the pasta, chicken, tomato, and basil, displaying the creamy sauce textures and herb details up close. The background has a white marbled texture with some blurred green basil in the back, giving a bright and fresh feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (pounded to even thickness)
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 (I use 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)

Instructions

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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 no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: 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 sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese just before serving for a burst of flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, use Kerrygold butter in the sauce.
Substitute penne with rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta texture.
Use fresh sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in warm water if oil-packed are unavailable.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a bowl of creamy penne pasta mixed with pieces of cooked white chicken and garnished with dried red sun-dried tomatoes and fresh green basil leaves. The penne pasta is coated in a light yellow creamy sauce with visible specks of black pepper and herbs. The dish is served in a round white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. A silver fork is lifting a bite of the pasta with chicken, tomato, and basil, highlighting the textures of the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well when pounded to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Lily Cross