This is the chicken pasta that will make people want to marry you, as the name suggests. So use it wisely! Ready in under 30 minutes and high protein.

If love at first bite exists, this recipe is proof of it. I know that after just one bite, you are going to fall head over heels.

This is one of my favorite pastas in the books, while it’s also high protein!

Just imagine each bite giving you creamy pesto sauce coating seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked penne, all accompanied with flavors of sun-dried tomatoes.

This protein-packed meal is one to try, and a great option if you are looking for the perfect recipe to impress your loved ones. 

One of the things that makes this recipe truly special is how it balances sophistication with simplicity. After one bite, they will think you’ve spent hours cooking the meal, but truth be told, it only took you 30 minutes to prepare.

So, this is definitely one of my go-to dinners when I’m hosting dinner. It’s both comforting and flavorful, and it feels very special. Most importantly, even kid-approved!

Ingredients and Substitutes

Dried penne pasta (2 cups) – While I enjoy using penne, you can also use other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.

Chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, diced (1 lb) – For a vegetarian option, you can swap with diced tofu or chickpeas.

Olive oil, divided (2 tbsp) – You can also use avocado oil or any other vegetable oil.

Yellow onion, finely chopped (1/2 large) – If you don’t have yellow onion, you can use white or red onion. And, if you don’t feel like chopping, you can use onion flakes or onion powder.

Garlic, minced (4 cloves) – Just like with the onion, you can also use garlic flakes or garlic powder.

Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (½ cup) – This gives it a special flavor to the recipe, but if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes.

Heavy cream (1 cup) – For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream.

Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup) – Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast are great alternatives.

Pesto (1 tbsp) – You can use homemade or store-bought pesto.

SEASONINGS

Italian seasoning (1 tsp)

Paprika (1/2 tsp) – You can use smoked paprika for a bolder flavor.

Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)

Onion powder (1/2 tsp)

Crushed red chili pepper flakes (1/2 tsp) – Adjust it based on your preferences. If you like heat, add more. But if you don’t like spicy food, you can avoid it.

Salt (1/2 tsp)

Black pepper (1/4 tsp)

GARNISH

Basil leaves

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1. Cook the pasta according to the packaging. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside.

Step 2. In a medium bowl, combine all the seasonings. Add the chicken and mix it thoroughly to ensure everything is coated.

Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and the chicken. Cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked (it should roughly take 5-8 minutes).

When the chicken is all cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion and cook it until it becomes translucent.

Now, add the sun-dried tomatoes and the garlic. Cook for another minute.

Step 4. Pour the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese and pesto. Give it a good stir.

Add the pasta to the creamy sauce.

Step 5. Stir to cover all the pasta with the delicious sauce and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.

Step 6. Add the chicken back in and cook until it gets warm (roughly 1-2 minutes).

Step 7. Remove from the skillet and garnish with basil leaves before serving.

How I Would Modify This Recipe

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu, grilled eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Meal: Choose a gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, lentils, or beans. Also, make sure the rest of the ingredients (like the pesto) are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Meal: Swap the traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles for a low-carb meal. Use full-fat heavy cream for the perfect keto-friendly meal.
• Boost the Flavor: You can try adding other ingredients like chopped mushrooms, bacon bits, or zucchini.

What I Would Serve with This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Garlic bread
• Green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Roasted veggies
• Arugula salad
• Caprese salad
• Avocado salad

My Storage Tips

I know that it’s not likely for you to have any leftovers. But, if you do, you want to make sure you keep it fresh to enjoy it later in the week.

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To be honest, sometimes I enjoy it more a couple of days later since it gives it time for the flavors to blend.

You can also place it in individual portions in a freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you want to have it again, reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Try adding a splash of cream or milk to improve its consistency.

My Other Pasta Recipes

• Cottage Cheese Pasta
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Ground Beef Orzo
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo
• Chicken Meatballs with Orzo