Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Enjoy a rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with tender chicken, Parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes. A quick and delicious meal in 30 minutes.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Servings 4 people

Calories 650 kcal

2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics adding depth to the dish.
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Tender and juicy, cooking evenly when cut into uniform cubes. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
½ teaspoon black pepper – A touch of warmth to complement the other spices.
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional – Adds a gentle heat that enhances the sauce.

1 tablespoon olive oil for aromatics – Helps the onion and garlic release their full flavor.
1 small yellow onion finely diced – Infuses the sauce with subtle sweetness while blending in smoothly.
3 cloves garlic minced – The key to an aromatic, flavorful sauce.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped – Their tangy, slightly sweet flavor contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, pat off excess oil before chopping.
½ cup chicken broth – Adds depth and richness while preventing the sauce from being too heavy.
1 cup heavy cream or heavy whipping cream – The base of the luscious, velvety sauce. Bring it to room temperature before using for the smoothest texture.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated melts best but pre-grated works fine in a pinch.

8 ounces penne or rotini pasta – Their ridges and shape help hold onto the creamy sauce for the perfect bite.
Water and salt for boiling the pasta – Well-salted water ensures your pasta has flavor from the inside out.

¼ cup fresh basil chopped – Fresh basil brightens the dish with its herbaceous aroma. Mix some into the sauce and use extra for garnish.
More Parmesan cheese for serving – Because you can never have too much!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations:
✔ Prefer dark meat? Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a slightly richer taste.
✔ Want a lighter version? Swap half-and-half for heavy cream.
✔ Make it extra indulgent by stirring in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
✔ Love extra veggies? Add baby spinach or mushrooms for an extra layer of texture and nutrients.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add penne or rotini pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce later if needed. Set aside.

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium.
Add finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for 1 minute, releasing their flavor into the pan.
Pour in ½ cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and absorb all the flavors.
Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream, allowing it to warm gently without boiling.
Gradually whisk in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce.
Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the sauce evenly coats each piece.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Keyword Creamy Chicken Past, Marry Me Chicken Pasta