Description

Craving a creamy, flavor-packed dinner idea that feels fancy but is easy enough for weeknights? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food recipe with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne. Whether you’re after a quick dinner, a romantic date night meal, or a new addition to your easy recipe collection, this dish brings all the warmth and flavor — no proposal required. It’s one of the best food ideas for easy dinner lovers!

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced into thin strips

2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably from sun-dried tomato jar)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium)

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

8 oz penne pasta

1 tablespoon butter

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, then reduce heat and add butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.

6. Return chicken to skillet and let simmer in sauce for 2–3 minutes.

7. Add pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

8. Turn off heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.

Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in moisture.

Add reserved pasta water slowly to adjust sauce thickness without watering it down.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 680
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: marry me chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, pasta dinner ideas