Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta With Sun Dried Tomatoes - A Creamy Comfort Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped if large; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, optional for serving

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes is one of those meals that feels special without asking for much effort.

It brings together tender chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and the bright, rich flavor of sun dried tomatoes in a way that feels comforting and a little indulgent.

It is the kind of dinner that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped if large
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, optional for serving

Same recipe photoshoot, same home kitchen, same natural window light, same smartphone camera style,

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This helps build flavor from the start.
Brown the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Make the sauce base. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Stir in the garlic, sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the liquid ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes.
Finish the sauce. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken and spinach back to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and the chicken warms through.
Toss with pasta. Add the drained pasta and stir until it is fully coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a little pasta water if needed.
Serve right away. Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if you want. This dish tastes best when served warm and creamy.

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so add a splash of milk, cream, or broth when reheating to bring it back to a smooth texture.

If you want to make this ahead, cook the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta when possible.

Then combine everything just before serving so the pasta does not absorb too much sauce and turn soft.

For freezing, this recipe works best without the pasta mixed in. Freeze the chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months, then cook fresh pasta when you are ready to serve.

Benefits of This Recipe

It is quick and practical. You can make this dinner in about 30 minutes, which makes it a great choice for busy evenings. It feels like a restaurant-style meal without a lot of work.

It uses everyday ingredients. Chicken, pasta, cream, garlic, and Parmesan are easy to find.

Sun dried tomatoes add a deeper, more concentrated flavor that makes the dish taste a little more special.

It is family-friendly. The creamy sauce and tender chicken usually appeal to both kids and adults. You can also adjust the spice level to fit your table.

It is filling and balanced. You get protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, and some greens from the spinach. That makes it a complete meal in one pan plus a pot for pasta.

What Not to Do

Do not overcook the chicken. Chicken breast can dry out quickly if it stays on the heat too long.

Take it out of the skillet as soon as it is cooked through.

Do not skip the pasta water. That starchy water helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta. A small splash can make a big difference.

Do not let the cream boil hard. A gentle simmer works best. If the heat gets too high, the sauce can separate or turn grainy.

Do not use too much salt too early. Parmesan and sun dried tomatoes already bring a lot of savory flavor.

Taste the finished dish before adding more salt.

FAQs

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The name comes from the idea that the dish is so good, it might inspire a proposal. It is really just a fun way to describe a creamy chicken recipe that feels extra comforting and impressive.

Can I use jarred sun dried tomatoes?

Yes, jarred sun dried tomatoes work very well. If they come packed in oil, drain them lightly before adding them to the pan. They bring a rich, tangy flavor that helps define the sauce.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works especially well because it catches the sauce in the ridges and center. Long pasta also works if that is what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then cook the pasta fresh before serving. This gives you the best texture and keeps the pasta from getting too soft.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat the pasta slowly on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth, milk, or cream. Stir it often so the sauce turns creamy again instead of thick and clumpy.