Extreme close-up of creamy penne pasta with juicy chicken, parmesan, and visible flecks of sun-dried tomato and pepper.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes – A Rich, Romantic Dinner Favorite

Byarlo Jack
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes – A Rich, Romantic Dinner Favorite

Looking for a dish so good it might inspire a proposal? Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is your answer. Rich, silky, and bursting with flavor, this pasta is romantic comfort food at its finest. The creamy sauce wraps around tender chicken and al dente pasta. Sun-dried tomatoes add sweet-tangy depth to every bite. Garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of spice elevate it beautifully. Whether it’s date night or family dinner, it’s always a showstopper. The name says it all — it’s that good. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet fancy enough for guests. Once you try it, you’ll crave it again and again.

Find your next go-to pasta recipe in this collection.

Ingredients

This dish is rich but simple to make. Chicken, pasta, and cream build the base. Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes add depth. Parmesan brings saltiness and body. Italian herbs tie it all together. You’ll have most ingredients on hand.

  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Nutritional Information

This pasta is indulgent but worth it. Cream and Parmesan offer richness and calcium. Chicken adds lean protein to balance. Sun-dried tomatoes bring antioxidants and fiber. It’s a fulfilling one-pan meal. Portion control makes it easy to enjoy.

  • Calories: 590 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This is a one-pan creamy dream. Cook the pasta while the chicken sears. Simmer garlic, cream, and cheese into sauce. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for depth. Toss pasta back in and mix well. Top with herbs and serve warm.

1. Cook pasta al dente according to package, drain, and set aside.

Begin by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions, but make sure to cook it al dente (firm to the bite), since it will cook a bit more in the sauce later. Drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

2. Heat olive oil in skillet, season the chicken, and sear until golden and cooked. Remove.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken (breast or thigh) with salt, pepper, and optional herbs or spices. Add the chicken to the pan and cook 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

3. In same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.

Without cleaning the skillet (those browned bits add flavor), lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, toss in minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

4. Add cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, seasoning, and simmer 5 minutes.

Pour in the heavy cream (or a dairy-free substitute), then stir in grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and your seasonings—like Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, or black pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to thicken.

5. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.

6. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and clings.

Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes so the sauce thickens further and binds to the pasta. Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta.

7. Garnish with herbs and extra cheese. Serve immediately.

Finish the dish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve it hot and creamy—this dish is best enjoyed right away while the sauce is silky and rich.

Serving Suggestions

Zoomed-in view of penne pasta coated in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, topped with golden-seared chicken and herbs.

This pasta is a meal in itself. But sides make it even better. Garlic bread, green salad, or roasted veggies shine. Serve with white wine for elegance. Add extra cheese tableside if desired. Make it a full Italian-style dinner.

  • Garlic knots or baguette slices
  • Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Roasted asparagus or green beans
  • Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
  • Topped with fresh basil and cracked pepper
  • Serve in warm pasta bowls for comfort

Storing Tips

This pasta stores well for 2–3 days. Let it cool fully before refrigerating. Use a sealed container for best results. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream. The sauce may thicken overnight. Avoid freezing — cream may separate.

  • Store in airtight container up to 3 days
  • Reheat on stove with extra cream
  • Microwave with splash of water or milk
  • Don’t freeze if texture matters
  • Stir gently to re-combine sauce
  • Add cheese or herbs after reheating

Healthier Alternatives

You can lighten up this rich dish. Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of cream. Try whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta. Add spinach or mushrooms for fiber. Reduce cheese if desired. Still creamy, still indulgent, just lighter.

  • Use light cream or Greek yogurt
  • Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini or lentil pasta
  • Add sautéed spinach or kale
  • Use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried
  • Reduce Parmesan by half and add herbs
  • Skip butter and increase olive oil

Kid-Friendly Version

Kids love creamy pasta dishes! Use milder cheese if needed. Leave out the red pepper flakes. Dice chicken into small bites for easy eating. Add peas or corn for color. Serve it plain or with fun pasta shapes. It’s comforting and familiar.

  • Use macaroni, shells, or bowtie pasta
  • Skip red chili flakes
  • Add shredded cheddar with Parmesan
  • Stir in peas or finely diced carrots
  • Cut chicken into small cubes
  • Serve with breadsticks or fruit on the side

Chef’s Special Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for meltability. Don’t overcook the chicken — keep it juicy. Deglaze pan with white wine for depth. Let sauce thicken before tossing pasta. Stir pasta quickly to coat every bite. Finish with cracked pepper or truffle oil.

  • Sear chicken in batches for better browning
  • Grate cheese fresh for creamier sauce
  • Add a splash of pasta water if too thick
  • Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for flavor
  • Let sauce bubble before combining all parts
  • Garnish last to keep herbs fresh

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is more than a dish — it’s an experience. Rich, romantic, and perfectly satisfying, it transforms ordinary nights into memorable meals. Whether you’re impressing a date or feeding your family, this pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor home. It’s easy enough for beginners and indulgent enough for special occasions. Try it tonight and let the flavor speak for itself. Save this recipe, share it, and tag someone who needs to taste it too.

FAQs

Yes, you can make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes a day ahead. Prepare the full dish, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. It’s great for meal prep or a quick dinner the next day. Avoid microwaving for too long to preserve the creamy texture. Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving for that just-made taste.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes works beautifully with penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or even linguine. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well, especially cream-based ones. Short shapes like penne or rotini are great for catching the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomato bits. Long pasta like fettuccine gives a more elegant look for special occasions. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also work if needed. Just adjust cooking time to prevent over-softening.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes has a mild kick from red pepper flakes. The spice is subtle and balanced by the rich cream and Parmesan. You can leave the flakes out for a completely non-spicy version. Or, increase the amount for more heat if desired. It’s very easy to customize based on your spice tolerance. Even kids and spice-sensitive eaters usually enjoy this dish as-is.

Yes! If you want to lighten up Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that lower-fat alternatives may result in a thinner sauce. To keep it creamy, add a little cornstarch slurry or reduce the sauce longer. For dairy-free options, use unsweetened oat or almond cream. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to match the substitute.

Store Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to rehydrate the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave at high power, as it can separate the cream. Stir well while reheating to recombine the sauce evenly. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but still tastes great the next day.