Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe for Date Night

This viral creamy chicken pasta recipe has taken the internet by storm for good reason! With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxurious parmesan cream sauce, this one-pan wonder is the perfect dish for a romantic dinner or cozy weeknight meal. The combination of flavors creates a restaurant-style experience that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

What makes this recipe 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 comforting meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup 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 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

Step 6: Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese before serving.

Expert Tips

For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. The starch from the pasta water is your secret weapon – it helps emulsify the sauce and gives it that perfect restaurant-quality consistency.

If you’re looking for another delicious easy chicken pasta recipe, try our garlic butter version that’s equally simple and satisfying.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken – work in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets beautifully browned. This creates fond (those browned bits at the bottom of the pan) that adds incredible flavor to your sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and remain juicy. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

What can I serve with this pasta? This dish pairs beautifully with a simple garlic parmesan roasted vegetable side or a fresh green salad.

Can I make this ahead of time? The sauce may thicken when refrigerated, but simply reheat with a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

For more romantic dinner inspiration, check out our creamy herb chicken with roasted potatoes that’s perfect for special occasions.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe for Date Night

This viral creamy chicken pasta features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxurious parmesan cream sauce that creates a restaurant-style experience perfect for romantic dinners or cozy weeknight meals. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes with a perfect balance of sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes and savory chicken in a creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 580

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup 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 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
6. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. The starch from the pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and gives it perfect restaurant-quality consistency. Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to ensure each piece gets beautifully browned.