Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Irresistible Romantic Dinner Recipe

This creamy chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this dish lives up to its romantic name. It’s surprisingly easy to make and will become your new family favorite.

Whether you’re planning a cozy date night at home or simply want to treat your family to something special, this pasta dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and aromatic herbs creates a meal that feels luxurious yet comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Expert Tips

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce. If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our Ultimate Homemade Chicken Pasta which features a from-scratch approach.

Don’t overcook the chicken – it should be golden on the outside but still juicy inside. The residual heat will finish cooking it through when you return it to the sauce. For another delicious chicken and pasta combination, try our Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta.

If you prefer a baked pasta dish, this recipe can easily be transferred to a baking dish, topped with extra cheese, and baked at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. For more baked pasta inspiration, check out our Ultimate Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine everything together.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. The consistency will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is this pasta freezer-friendly?
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well as they can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately if needed.

For more comforting dinner ideas that the whole family will love, explore our collection of comforting chicken pasta recipes that are perfect for any night of the week.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Irresistible Romantic Dinner Recipe

This creamy chicken pasta features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce that makes it perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners. The dish comes together in about 30 minutes and delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting. Don’t overcook the chicken – it should be golden outside but still juicy inside. Can be made ahead by storing sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 days.