Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes

This hearty Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese. The dish earned its name because it's supposedly so delicious it inspires marriage proposals!

I first made this for my boyfriend on our anniversary dinner at home and he practically licked the plate clean. Now it has become our special occasion meal that never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken pieces freshly cut chicken ensures tenderness and quicker cooking time
• Penne pasta the tubular shape perfectly captures the creamy sauce inside each bite
• Butter creates the rich base for the sauce and adds silky texture
• Garlic fresh minced garlic provides aromatic foundation
• All purpose flour helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency
• Chicken broth adds depth and savory notes to balance the creaminess
• Heavy cream creates that luxurious velvety texture that makes this dish irresistible
• Parmesan cheese use freshly grated for best melting and flavor
• Sun dried tomatoes these concentrated flavor bombs add sweet tanginess and beautiful color
• Italian seasoning a time saving blend that adds herbal complexity
• Paprika adds subtle warmth and beautiful color to the finished dish
• Fresh basil brightens the rich dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Boil penne according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes 9 to 11 minutes depending on the brand. Be sure to salt your pasta water generously as this is your only chance to season the pasta itself. Drain well but do not rinse to preserve the starchy exterior that helps the sauce cling.

Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Cut chicken into uniform 1inch pieces for even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes before stirring to develop golden brown color. Continue cooking another 35 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through with no pink remaining.

Create the Sauce Base

Return the same skillet to medium heat and add butter. Once melted add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Quickly whisk in flour creating a smooth paste that coats the bottom of the pan. Cook this roux for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste while stirring constantly.

Build the Creamy Sauce

Gradually whisk in chicken broth about half a cup at a time allowing the mixture to smooth out between additions. This prevents lumps from forming. Pour in heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Add Flavor Components

Stir in drained sundried tomatoes paprika and Italian seasoning ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Simmer for 35 minutes allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Gently fold everything together ensuring each piece of pasta and chicken is generously coated in the creamy sauce. Allow to cook together for 12 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce flavors.

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My favorite part of this recipe is watching peoples faces when they take their first bite. The creamy sauce with bursts of sundried tomato flavor literally makes peoples eyes close in appreciation. My mother actually requested this for her birthday dinner last year instead of going to her favorite restaurant.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight making this an excellent meal prep option. When reheating add a small splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as it will thicken considerably when cold. Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Swap the heavy cream for half and half or whole milk mixed with a bit more flour for a lighter version. No sundried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers provide a similar sweet tang. For a vegetarian version replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The pasta shape can be changed too spinach tortellini or bowties work wonderfully with this sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. A piece of crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the incredible sauce. For wine pairing try a medium bodied Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that can stand up to the creaminess without overwhelming the flavors. This dish makes a beautiful presentation when served family style in a large shallow bowl garnished generously with torn fresh basil and additional parmesan shavings.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne pasta works perfectly because the sauce gets caught inside the tubes, you can substitute with farfalle, rigatoni, or fusilli. Longer pastas like fettuccine or linguine also work well with this creamy sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency, as the sauce tends to thicken when chilled.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?

Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or cube about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it to the sauce in the final steps, just long enough to warm through.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and 2 tablespoons of cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This rich pasta pairs beautifully with light sides like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread. For wine pairing, try a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare components ahead of time: cook the pasta and chicken and make the sauce separately. Store refrigerated, then combine and reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.