5 from 3 votes
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Comfort Food in 30 Minutes
Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Our version adds lemon to balance the richness of the sauce, creating a dish that’s flavorful without feeling heavy and has an easy gluten-free swap. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting yet elegant meal.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
554 kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta or gluten-free
- 2 chicken breast about 1 lb, boneless, skinless
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Marry Me Sauce
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 tablespoon basil fresh
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup parsley for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Following package instructions for cook time. Then, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging. Then cut into 1-inch cubes. Then, season the chicken breast cubes with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, on medium-low heat, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, basil, oregano, and lemon zest and juice. Increase the heat to medium, stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Adjust consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and cook it just to al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Stir frequently while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce separate for the best texture when reheating.
- Recipe Tip:
- Adding lemon juice balances the richness of the sauce, making it flavorful without feeling heavy, so don't skip this step!
- Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and can be used to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
554kcal
(28%)
Carbohydrates
56g
(19%)
Protein
26g
(52%)
Fat
26g
(40%)
Saturated Fat
13g
(65%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Cholesterol
82mg
(27%)
Sodium
735mg
(31%)
Potassium
1001mg
(21%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
1172IU
(23%)
Vitamin B12
0.4µg
(17%)
Vitamin C
14mg
(16%)
Calcium
282mg
(28%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Zinc
2mg
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 554
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 554kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 56g | 19% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 735mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 1001mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1172IU | 23% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.4µg | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 282mg | 28% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
| Zinc | 2mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.