The first time I tasted this dish, the creamy sauce clung to the pasta just right. Sun-dried tomatoes added a sweet-tangy punch, and the chicken was tender. It felt like a hug in a bowl. Ever wondered how you could turn a simple pasta into something unforgettable? Now, I make it weekly—it’s that good. Share your favorite cozy pasta memory below!
My Messy (But Delicious) First Try
I once added the cream too fast, and it curdled. Panic! But a quick whisk fixed it. The dish still tasted amazing. Cooking teaches patience—and that mistakes can still taste great. Home cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about joy. Have you ever saved a kitchen disaster? Tell me!
Why This Dish Shines
– The creamy sauce gets depth from parmesan and a kick from red pepper.
– Sun-dried tomatoes add chewy texture and a burst of flavor. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Try adding spinach for freshness. It’s a game-changer.
A Dish With Love (And History)
This pasta blends Italian flavors with modern shortcuts like rotisserie chicken. *Did you know sun-dried tomatoes became popular in the 1980s?* They’re a tasty twist on tradition. Comfort food never goes out of style. Would you try this with another pasta shape? Pick your favorite!
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Dinner
Cook the penne in salted water until al dente. Drain but keep a bit of pasta water aside. This helps thicken the sauce later. Rotisserie chicken saves time but any cooked chicken works.
Step 2
Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk to make a roux. Cook until golden, about 1 minute. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.
Step 3
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor. Let it simmer 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat to cool the pan briefly. (Hard-learned tip: Skipping this step can make the cream curdle.)
Step 4
Whisk in cream and parmesan until smooth. Return to low heat and stir in sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5
Toss in cooked chicken and pasta. Add spinach if using. Simmer 2 minutes until everything is warm. Finish with fresh basil for a pop of color.
What’s your go-to weeknight pasta dish? Share below!Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta
3 Ways to Shake Up This Dish
Vegetarian Twist
Skip the chicken. Add roasted mushrooms and extra spinach for a hearty veggie version.
Spicy Kick
Double the red pepper flakes. Top with jalapeños for those who love heat.
Seasonal Swap
Use roasted butternut squash in fall or fresh peas in spring.
Which spin would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. A sprinkle of extra parmesan never hurts.
Pair with a chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade. Both cut through the creamy richness.
Which would you choose tonight—wine or lemonade?Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Dinner
Keep It Fresh or Freeze It
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before warming. *Fun fact: Sun-dried tomatoes add a flavor boost even after freezing!* Batch-cook this dish by doubling the sauce and pasta—just add fresh chicken later. Why this matters: Meal prep saves time on busy nights. Ever tried freezing pasta? Share your tips below!
Troubleshooting Tips
Sauce too thin? Simmer it longer or add a pinch more flour. Too thick? Stir in extra broth or cream. If the garlic burns, start over—bitter flavors ruin the dish. Why this matters: Small fixes save dinner disasters. Pasta sticking? Rinse it lightly after cooking. Got a trick for perfect sauce? Tell us in the comments!
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.
Q: How far ahead can I prep this?
A: Cook the sauce and chicken 1 day early. Combine with pasta when ready.
Q: What swaps work for heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half or coconut milk (for dairy-free) work well.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Use a bigger pan and adjust cook time slightly.
Q: Missing sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Try roasted red peppers or skip them. The dish still shines.
Wrapping Up
This pasta is my go-to for cozy nights. It’s rich, fast, and fuss-free. Tag @SavoryDiscovery on Pinterest if you try it—I love seeing your twists! Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
