Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Penne Pasta: I love penne for its ability to hold the creamy sauce well. If you don’t have penne, feel free to swap it with fusilli or farfalle for fun shapes!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep things simple. You could also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut, or even swap in tofu for a vegetarian version.

Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works too, though it won’t be quite as creamy. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute!

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a depth of flavor. If you don’t have them, roasted red peppers chopped finely can provide a sweet tang instead.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds an authentic touch. For a nutty flavor, Pecorino Romano can be used instead, or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.

How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?

To achieve perfectly juicy chicken, it’s all about the cooking method. Here are some tips:

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Season generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
• Don’t overcook; it typically takes around 5-6 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes to keep all the juices inside.

Following these tips will ensure your chicken is tender and moist, helping to make this dish irresistibly delicious!

Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces penne pasta

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil packed, drained and chopped)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Fresh rosemary

How Much Time Will You Need?

This creamy pasta dish takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Quick and easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This gives the chicken plenty of flavor!

3. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!

5. Add Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

Now, pour in the heavy cream, stirring while scraping any tasty bits off the bottom of the skillet. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Allow it to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes to thicken up.

6. Incorporate Cheese and Pasta:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes nice and smooth. Then, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is well-coated in that creamy goodness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

7. Assemble and Serve:

Slice the rested chicken breasts and place them on top of the creamy pasta. To make it look beautiful, garnish with chopped fresh basil and a sprig of rosemary to elevate the dish.

8. Enjoy!

Serve your delicious Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s warm and creamy. You’re sure to impress everyone at your table!

FAQ for Easy Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great for this recipe, feel free to substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or fettuccine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time! Just store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove and then add the freshly cooked pasta.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to refresh the sauce.

What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just be careful not to boil it, as it could curdle. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is an excellent substitute!