Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Romantic Dinner Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate romantic dinner recipe that lives up to its name! With tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, this one-pan wonder will become your go-to date night meal. It’s surprisingly easy to make yet tastes like something from a fancy restaurant.

What makes this recipe so special is how the creamy sauce perfectly coats every strand of pasta while the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy depth that complements the savory chicken. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 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. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

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

Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes 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. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to simmer. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.

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

Expert Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets beautifully browned rather than steamed.

Use the pasta water: The starchy pasta water is key to creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Don’t skip reserving it!

Freshly grated parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect sauce consistency.

If you love this creamy pasta dish, you might also enjoy our Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for another delicious weeknight dinner option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine work beautifully, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times according to package directions.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a nice balance to the spice.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately, but you can prep the ingredients ahead. Chop the chicken and vegetables, then assemble and cook when ready to serve for the freshest taste.

For more romantic dinner inspiration, check out our Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe or our Creamy Herb Chicken with Roasted Potatoes for elegant weeknight meals that feel special.

Looking for more comforting pasta dishes? Our Ultimate Homemade Chicken Pasta Recipe is another family favorite that’s perfect for cozy nights in.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Romantic Dinner Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate romantic dinner recipe featuring tender chicken in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s surprisingly easy to make in about 30 minutes yet tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, perfect for date nights or special weeknight meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 580

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 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. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to simmer. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Use reserved pasta water for silky sauce. Freshly grated parmesan works best for optimal flavor and texture.