The Best Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A rich, one-pan Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken in a velvety sun-dried tomato and paprika-kissed cream sauce, served over al dente penne. Ready in 30 minutes with pantry staples, it’s a flavorful, romantic, and family-friendly comfort food.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Omnivore (can substitute chicken with shrimp for a protein switch)
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes
24 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sweet paprika (smoked optional)
½ cup mushrooms (grifoned or porcini, sliced)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Garlic bread for serving
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 oz parmesan cheese (grated), divided
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook pasta until al dente (4-5 minutes). Set aside
Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat
Cook chicken cubes with garlic and onion until golden (5-7 minutes)
Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, paprika, and herbs; stir 2-3 minutes
Remove pan from heat, add cooked pasta and ½ the heavy cream (save ½ cup for glaze). Fold in 2 oz parmesan and season with salt/pepper
Transfer to oven and bake 20 minutes
Brush with remaining heavy cream and return to oven 10 minutes for a golden glaze
Top with remaining parmesan, lemon zest (if using), and fresh basil before serving
Notes
Use halal parmesan for dietary adherence
Add baby spinach (1 cup) during final baking minute for a twist
Best with butter-rich pasta like penne to hold up to sauce
Leftovers keep 3-4 days in fridge (avoid prolonged baking to maintain texture)
For paleo/dairy-free: omit butter and parmesan, use ghee and nutritional yeast