Marry Me Chicken Pasta – 30 Minute Dinner

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner! Made with rotisserie chicken, penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Fall in love with your new favorite dish!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a rich and flavorful meal that takes very little effort, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. With tender chicken, a creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish is packed with so much flavor that it will take your weeknight dinner to the next level. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

This creamy pasta dish is a great go-to when you want a delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes adds a savory twist that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just treating yourself, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit!

Why you’ll love Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

  • Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an easy meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful, satisfying dinner without a lot of effort.
  • Great Use for Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover chicken, this recipe is a perfect way to give it new life by tossing it in the creamy sauce and serving it with pasta.
  • A Hit with the Whole Family: Thanks to its rich, creamy flavor, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy. It’s also become popular on social media for being both delicious and simple to make!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Fresh basil: Adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor. 
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully, giving a gooey texture and a nutty taste. 
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems pack a punch of tangy sweetness. 
  • Olive oil or sundried tomato oil: For sautéing and enriching flavors. 
  • Fresh garlic and onion (or onion powder): Essential for a foundational aroma. 
  • All-purpose flour: To thicken the creamy sauce. 
  • Chicken stock or chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce. 
  • Heavy cream: The key to creamy richness. 
  • Tomato paste or tomato puree: Intensifies the tomato flavor. 
  • Rotisserie chicken: Makes the dish hearty and filling. 
  • Red pepper flakes: A hint of heat to balance sweetness. 
  • Italian seasoning: Brings in classic Italian herbs. 
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to taste.
  • Penne pasta: To grab that delicious sauce. 

Prep Steps: Getting Ready to Cook

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil: Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente doneness. 
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prep your ingredients: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes, dice the onion (or measure the onion powder), and mince the fresh garlic. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) means you won’t be scrambling while cooking, making the process more enjoyable. 
  3. Gather the rest of the creamy sauce ingredients: Measure out the heavy cream, chicken stock, parmesan cheese, and get the chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken ready. This ensures that once you start making the sauce, everything flows smoothly, melding flavors with every stir. 

How to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. I sometimes use the sundried tomato oil instead, giving the dish that extra depth of flavor from the get-go. 
  2. Add fresh garlic and diced onion to the hot oil, allowing it to sizzle and release those tantalizing aromas. Sauté 1-2 minutes or until the veggies are softened. 
  3. Stir in flour to create a base for your sauce. This step might remind you of making a roux, as you cook it for just a couple of minutes to avoid that raw flour taste.
  1. Whisk in the chicken broth gradually. This part is crucial as it helps prevent any lumps, resulting in a smooth sauce that’s thick enough to cling to your pasta but still gloriously creamy. 
  2. Blend in heavy cream, tomato paste, shredded parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Continue cooking over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally until sauce is thickened. Here’s where the magic happens, transforming the mixture into that creamy sauce we all love.
  1. Finally, fold in sun-dried tomatoes, cooked chicken, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Give the sauce a final taste and add more Italian seasoning, if desired.
  1. Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet, turning the heat down to medium-low. This is where everything comes together. Stir gently until the sauce coats every piece of pasta.
  2. Sprinkle in more parmesan cheese, because let’s be honest, a little extra cheesy goodness only makes things better. As it melts, it binds the sauce to the pasta and chicken, making every forkful a dream come true. 
  3. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and red pepper flakes, adding that final layer of freshness and a hint of heat. 
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serving Suggestions

Serving this creamy, dreamy pasta doesn’t stop when you’ve plated that last swirl of noodles. Make it a complete meal by pairing it with slices of crisp garlic bread and a fresh side salad.

Storage and Leftovers

After savoring the creamy delight of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll want to preserve the delicious leftovers. 

  • Storing: Allow it to cool, then scoop any of your remaining pasta masterpiece into an airtight container. This keeps the delicious pasta, juicy chicken pieces, and flavorful sauce as fresh as they were when you first made them. Your leftovers will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator
  • Reheating: When it’s time to reheat, a splash of water or a bit of heavy cream can bring back the creamy sauce to its original glory. Pour the pasta into a large skillet over medium heat, stirring gently. Within a couple of minutes, the creamy chicken pasta is revived, ready to indulge your taste buds all over again. 
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Variations and Substitutions

Change up your Marry Me Chicken recipe with these options: 

  • Instead of rotisserie chicken, use chicken breasts or chicken thighs in this recipe. 
  • Use cream cheese for the sauce instead of heavy cream. 
  • Mix in some veggies such as peas, broccoli, or spinach. 
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A Must-Have in Your Dinner Rotation

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish to bring to the dinner table on busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and burst of flavor make it a meal the entire family will love. It’s quick to prepare and full of delicious ingredients, making it an easy go-to for any weeknight dinner.

Next time you’re looking to impress or simply need a new recipe to add to your dinner rotation, give this dish a try. Who knows? With a meal this tasty, you might even get a marriage proposal! Enjoy the simplicity and incredible flavor of this irresistible pasta dish!

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – 30 Minute Dinner

Melisha Kreppein
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner! Made with rotisserie chicken, penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Fall in love with your new favorite dish!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Chicken Recipes, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 471 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz box penne pasta prepared according to package directions
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or oil from the sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 8.5 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes chopped and drained
  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken deboned and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese divided (1/3 for sauce, 2/3 for serving/garnish)
  • fresh basil chopped for garnish
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil: Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente doneness. 
  • While the pasta is cooking, prep your ingredients: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes, dice the onion (or measure the onion powder), and mince the fresh garlic.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil or use the sun-dried tomato oil instead, giving the dish that extra depth of flavor from the get-go. 
  • Add fresh garlic and diced onion to the hot oil. Sauté 1-2 minutes or until the veggies are softened. 
  • Stir in flour as you cook it for just a couple of minutes to avoid that raw flour taste.
  • Whisk in the chicken broth gradually until the sauce is smooth and creamy. 
  • Blend in heavy cream, tomato paste, shredded parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Continue cooking over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally until sauce is thickened.
  • Finally, fold in sun-dried tomatoes, cooked chicken, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Give the sauce a final taste and add more Italian seasoning, if desired.
  • Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet, turning the heat down to medium-low. Stir gently until the sauce coats every piece of pasta.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and red pepper flakes, adding that final layer of freshness and a hint of heat. 

Notes

Variations and Substitutions

Change up your Marry Me Chicken recipe with these options: 
  • Instead of rotisserie chicken, use chicken breasts or chicken thighs in this recipe. 
  • Use cream cheese for the sauce instead of heavy cream. 
  • Mix in some veggies such as peas, broccoli, or spinach. 

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcalCarbohydrates: 24.2gProtein: 25.3gFat: 30.5gSaturated Fat: 14.9gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 844mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2.3gCalcium: 230mgIron: 2mg
Keyword comfort food, One Pan Meal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    It was really delicious, even without the basil( store didn’t have it). Easy to put together and my grandkids liked it.

    1. I’m so glad you and your family liked it! I love making one-pot meals. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to stop by the blog and leave a comment! I appreciate it so much!

5 from 1 vote

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