Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, sundried tomato and garlic-loaded dish that’s taken the internet by storm—and for good reason. Tender seared chicken meets a rich parmesan cream sauce tossed with penne pasta and topped with fresh basil. This family-friendly, wine-free version comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients. Ideal for date nights, weeknight dinners, or when you need something a little extra special without the stress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

300g penne pasta
Salted water (for boiling)

For the Chicken & Sauce:

2 chicken breasts (about 300g), thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
100g sundried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
200ml double cream
100ml chicken stock
50g grated parmesan
Salt & pepper, to taste

To Finish:

100ml reserved pasta water (as needed)
Fresh basil, to garnish
Extra parmesan, for serving

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 100ml of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook sliced chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Flavors: In the same skillet, add garlic, sundried tomatoes, thyme, and chilli flakes. Sauté for 1 minute.
Make Sauce: Pour in cream and chicken stock. Stir in parmesan. Simmer for 3 minutes until thickened slightly.
Combine: Return chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss everything in the sauce, using reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan.

Notes

Dairy-Free Option: Use oat cream and a vegan cheese alternative.
Meat-Free? Try mushrooms or tofu in place of chicken.
Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes