Hey y'all! If you're looking for a dinner that's creamy, savory, and guaranteed to impress, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is your new go-to. It's packed with juicy chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Whether it's a romantic date night, a family dinner, or a cozy meal with friends, this dish is always a hit. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Rich, creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and al dente pasta for ultimate comfort.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add tangy depth and vibrant color to every bite.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Easy to customize and foolproof for cooks of all skill levels.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (use the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and stir, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Add red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors mingle.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes for Success
- Using freshly grated Parmesan (not the pre-shredded kind) ensures the creamiest sauce. Learn more about cheese selection here.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—use a thermometer for juicy, tender meat.
- Toss the pasta and sauce over low heat to help everything meld without burning the cream. For more pasta tips, check out this guide.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Spinach Addition: Stir in 2 cups fresh baby spinach until wilted before serving.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
Required Equipment for Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up extra sauce.
- Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect match.
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Sear the chicken until deeply golden for more flavor in the sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer and thicken before tossing with pasta for a luscious, clingy texture.
- Want to lighten it up? Swap half the cream for whole milk, as shown in this healthy creamy chicken pasta recipe.
FAQ: Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust the cooking time to ensure they're cooked through.
- What pasta shapes work best?
- Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all hold the creamy sauce well, but any favorite shape works fine.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, swap the heavy cream and parmesan for your preferred plant-based alternatives.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
1Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
2Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
-
3In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
4Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
-
5Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
-
6Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!