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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Featured in Hearty and Delicious Mains.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta transforms the classic chicken dish into a complete meal by combining it with perfectly cooked penne pasta. The dish features tender chicken pieces and pasta tossed in a luxurious sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce begins with a butter and garlic base, enriched with chicken broth and Italian seasonings. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy flavors with the sweet-tart punch of sun-dried tomatoes. Topped with fresh basil and extra parmesan, this 30-minute meal serves 6 people and delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple home cooking techniques.
A smiling woman in an apron poses for a selfie in a professional kitchen.
Updated on Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:08:01 GMT
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta | tastygusto.com

A reader-favorite 'Marry Me Chicken' made even better with tender penne pasta! The noodles hold the cheesy, sun-dried tomato sauce inside for a burst of flavor in each bite. This 30-minute dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasonings.

My journey with this dish began when I first tasted a creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta at a cozy Italian trattoria. Determined to recreate it at home, I experimented with different ingredients until I found the perfect balance. Now, this dish is a staple in my kitchen, perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.

Master Your Ingredients

  • Penne pasta: Opt for bronze-die cut pasta for better sauce adhesion.
  • Boneless chicken breasts: Cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
  • Parmesan cheese: Always use freshly grated for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Heavy cream: Stick to 36-40% fat content for a rich, velvety sauce.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed for deep, concentrated flavor.
  • Garlic: Use fresh, finely minced garlic for the best aroma.
  • Italian seasoning: A high-quality blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary enhances the dish.

Creating the Perfect Pasta

Cooking the Pasta:
Bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and cook in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
Building the Sauce:
Melt butter in the skillet, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Thickening the Sauce:
Stir in flour and cook briefly, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream.
Infusing Flavor:
Mix in Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thick and creamy.
Bringing It Together:
Return the chicken to the sauce, then toss in the pasta, coating everything evenly. Adjust with pasta water if needed.
Final Touches:
Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Pin it
Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Pasta | tastygusto.com

Through trial and error, I learned that attention to detail makes all the difference. The first time I made this, I used pre-grated Parmesan, which resulted in a grainy sauce. Now, I always freshly grate my cheese for the best texture.

Delicious Variations

Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or Calabrian chilies. Swap the chicken for shrimp and scallops for a seafood twist. Try a vegetarian version with mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, and baby spinach.

Perfect Pairings

Complement this dish with buttery garlic bread or a refreshing Italian salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Pair with a chilled Pinot Grigio or a crisp Chardonnay for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness. Avoid freezing, as dairy-based sauces may separate.

Close-up Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Pin it
Close-up Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe | tastygusto.com

After perfecting this dish, I’ve realized that the simplest ingredients, when used correctly, can create something truly special. Whether served for a family meal or a dinner party, this pasta never fails to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this chicken pasta special?
The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender chicken, and perfect blend of seasonings create an irresistible combination that earned its name 'Marry Me Chicken Pasta'.
→ Can I make this dish ahead?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve, then combine all ingredients for the best results.
→ What sides go well with this pasta?
Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.
→ Can I use different types of pasta?
While penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A reader-favorite Marry Me Chicken combined with penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasonings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Pasta and Chicken

01 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into juicy bite-sized chunks
02 10 ounces penne pasta, any good quality brand works great
03 A good pinch of salt (about ½ teaspoon)
04 A few cracks of fresh black pepper (about ¼ teaspoon)
05 A generous glug of olive oil (1 tablespoon)

→ For the Creamy Sauce

06 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, the real deal
07 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, finely minced
08 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 2 cups good-quality chicken broth
10 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature works best
11 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
12 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
13 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
14 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend

→ For Garnish

15 Fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
16 Extra parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 01

Get your pasta going first - bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne according to what the package says. Once it's al dente, drain it but save a cup of that starchy pasta water just in case you need it later for the sauce.

Step 02

While the pasta's cooking, cut up your chicken into nice bite-sized pieces (about an inch each) and season them well with salt and pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning!

Step 03

Heat up your largest skillet over medium-high heat and add a good glug of olive oil. Once it's nice and hot, toss in your seasoned chicken pieces. Let them cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're golden brown and cooked through. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 04

In the same pan (don't clean it - those chicken bits add flavor!), drop in your butter. Once it's melted and bubbling, add your minced garlic and let it work its magic for about 30 seconds until your kitchen smells amazing. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it around to make a paste.

Step 05

Now comes the fun part - slowly pour in your chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Add the cream and parmesan, keeping everything moving until it's smooth and starting to thicken.

Step 06

Toss in those beautiful sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed - trust your taste buds here!

Step 07

Add your cooked chicken back to the pan along with the drained pasta. Stir everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in that gorgeous sauce. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.

Step 08

Plate it up while it's hot, scatter some fresh basil over the top, and finish with an extra shower of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest!

Notes

  1. This dish got its name because it's so delicious, it might just prompt a marriage proposal!
  2. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart punch that really makes this dish special
  3. Perfect for date night or when you want to impress someone special

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Colander or strainer
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream, parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pasta, flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 646
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 41 g