Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta — Sun Dried Tomato Cream

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Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta — Sun Dried Tomato Cream is what I make when I want something that feels a little fancy, but I also do not want to do a sink full of dishes. You know those nights when you are tired, hungry, and also kind of craving comfort food that is not boring? This is that dinner. It is creamy, a little tangy from the sun dried tomatoes, and it makes the whole kitchen smell like you totally have your life together. I started making it after one of those long weeks, and now it is my go to when I need a win at dinner. If you want a meal that gets happy reactions fast, you are in the right place.

Ingredients Youll Need

I love this recipe because the ingredient list is realistic. Nothing weird, nothing hard to find, and it still tastes like something you would order at a cozy restaurant. The sun dried tomato cream sauce is the big reason it works, so try not to skip those.

• Chicken: 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets, or about 1 to 1.5 pounds
• Pasta: penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work, about 10 to 12 ounces
• Sun dried tomatoes: 1/2 cup sliced, preferably in oil for extra flavor
• Garlic: 3 to 4 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth: 1/2 cup to loosen the sauce
• Heavy cream: 1 cup for that silky texture
• Parmesan: 3/4 cup freshly grated if you can, plus more for serving
• Italian seasoning: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Red pepper flakes: optional, but I like a little kick
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil and a small pat of butter
• Spinach or basil: optional for a pop of green

Little note from my kitchen: if you already love creamy chicken with sun dried tomatoes, you should also peek at this easy Tuscan chicken with sun dried tomato cream sauce. Similar vibe, different day, and it is a great backup plan.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This is the part where you will feel like a pro, even if you are cooking in sweatpants. The trick is timing the pasta and the sauce so everything comes together hot and creamy.

Step by step, in plain English

• Cook your pasta in salted water until it is just tender. Save about 1 cup of pasta water before you drain it.
• While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken for a few minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Move it to a plate.
• In the same skillet, add a tiny bit of butter, then garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Stir for about 30 seconds so the garlic does not burn.
• Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the brown bits on the bottom. That is flavor, do not waste it.
• Lower the heat and add heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want. Stir until smooth.
• Add the drained pasta and a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed until it looks glossy and coats everything.
• Slice the chicken and add it back in. Toss everything together. Add spinach at the end if you want it to wilt into the sauce.

If you are cooking for people and want a low effort side that still feels fun, I often do a chilled pasta salad earlier in the day. This easy street corn pasta salad is honestly a crowd magnet at potlucks and it pairs nicely with creamy chicken dinners.

“I made this for my partner and we both went quiet for the first few bites, the good kind of quiet. It tasted like date night food but it was done in under 40 minutes.”

Tips For Success

I have made Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta — Sun Dried Tomato Cream enough times to learn a few things the hard way. These tips keep it creamy, not greasy, and full of flavor.

My best practical tips

Cut the chicken thinner if you can. Cutlets cook fast and stay juicy. If the chicken is too thick, the outside gets dry before the center is done.

Use low heat once the cream goes in. Cream sauces are happiest when they are gently warmed, not aggressively boiled. If it starts bubbling hard, turn it down.

Grate your own parmesan if possible. The pre shredded kind can make the sauce grainy sometimes. Not always, but enough that I notice it.

Pasta water is your secret weapon. It helps the sauce cling and keeps everything silky. Add a little at a time until it looks right.

Do not overdo the sun dried tomatoes. I love them, but too much can overpower the creamy balance. If you want more tomato flavor, add a spoonful of the oil from the jar instead.

And if you are in a meal prep mood, I rotate this dish with lighter pasta salads for lunch. This chicken avocado pasta salad is one of my favorites when I want something cold and fresh the next day.

Leftover Storage

Good news, Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta — Sun Dried Tomato Cream actually reheats pretty well if you treat it gently. Cream sauces can thicken in the fridge, so you just need a tiny bit of liquid to bring it back.

In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, milk, or water. Stir often. Microwave works too, but do 30 second bursts and stir in between so the sauce stays smooth.

Can you freeze it? You can, but the texture may change a bit once thawed because of the cream. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly with extra liquid.

Random tip: if you know you will have leftovers, cook the pasta just slightly less than usual. It softens more as it sits in the sauce.

You May Also Like:

If you are anything like me, once you find a pasta situation that works, you want a few more in your back pocket. Here are some recipes I keep on repeat depending on the mood and the season.

For warm weather or easy lunches, try this easy BLT pasta salad. It has that bacon and tomato combo that somehow tastes like summer in a bowl.

If you want something classic and super easy to pack up, this chicken Caesar pasta salad is a solid choice. It is simple, filling, and does not require you to stand at the stove again.

And if you are still in love with this flavor profile, keep Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta — Sun Dried Tomato Cream on your dinner list and swap in shrimp sometimes. The sauce is flexible like that.

Common Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but it will be less rich. Whole milk works better than low fat. If you use milk, add a little extra parmesan to help it feel creamy.

What pasta shape is best?

Penne and rigatoni are great because they grab the sauce. Fettuccine is also amazing if you want a more cozy, twirly bite.

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

Use low heat after adding cream and cheese, and stir until just melted. Freshly grated parmesan helps a lot.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes. Add red pepper flakes, or a small spoon of chili oil. Start small, taste, then build it up.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely. Spinach wilts fast, mushrooms add a deeper flavor, and peas are a quick freezer option. Just do not overcrowd the pan.

A cozy dinner you will want on repeat

If you try Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta — Sun Dried Tomato Cream, I really think you will get why people get a little obsessed with it. It is creamy, comforting, and it comes together without a bunch of complicated steps. Keep pasta water nearby, go easy on the heat, and you will have a sauce that looks and tastes like a treat. If you want to compare versions or see another approach, check out Marry Me Chicken Pasta – The Recipe Critic and then come back and tell me which one wins in your kitchen.