1-First Step: Cook the pasta Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the 10 ounces of penne pasta according to the package instructions. Stir it now and then so it does not stick together. Once it is done, drain it and set it aside. If you like a firmer bite, pull it off the heat when it is just al dente because it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

2-Second Step: Season and cook the chicken Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season the chicken with 0.5 teaspoon salt and 0.25 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring as needed, until it is no longer pink and reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside. A meat thermometer helps here, especially if you want juicy chicken and not dry pieces.

3-Third Step: Set the chicken aside Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Leaving the browned bits in the pan is a good thing because those bits help flavor the sauce. Do not wash the skillet. That little bit of stuck-on flavor is part of what makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta taste so rich.

4-Fourth Step: Start the sauce Lower the heat a little if needed, then add 3 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. When it melts, add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour and cook it into a paste. This step helps thicken the sauce and removes any raw flour taste.

5-Fifth Step: Build the creamy base Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, then add 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Keep whisking so the sauce stays smooth. As the cheese melts, the sauce should turn creamy and slightly thick. If it looks too thick, a splash more broth or cream can help loosen it.

6-Sixth Step: Add the flavor boosters Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Give the sauce a taste and add a little more salt and pepper if needed. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is a good moment to add red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.

7-Seventh Step: Combine everything Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the sauce. Keep the heat low so the cream does not separate. If the sauce thickens too much, add a small splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to a silky texture.

8-Final Step: Garnish and serve Spoon the Marry Me Chicken Pasta into bowls or onto plates. Finish with chopped fresh basil and a little extra parmesan cheese on top. Serve it hot while the sauce is still creamy. This is the kind of meal that works well for family dinner, a cozy night in, or even a simple date night at home.