Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 10 oz of penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. When done, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside, letting the steam escape so it doesn’t continue to cook.

Take 1.5 lb of boneless skinless chicken and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Season the pieces generously with 0.5 tsp of salt and 0.25 tsp of pepper, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prep your cooking equipment for the next step.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.

Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tbsp of butter. Once melted, introduce 2 tsp of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The butter should foam slightly, and the garlic should take on a light golden color.

Sprinkle 3 tbsp of flour into the skillet with the garlic, stirring to create a paste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Follow this with 1 cup of room temperature heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in 1 cup of drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp of paprika, and 2 tsp of dried Italian seasoning into the creamy sauce. Allow this mixture to simmer gently over low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should become thicker and richer while filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma, signaling it's nearly time to combine everything.

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, followed by the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the chicken and pasta are evenly coated in the creamy Marry Me Chicken sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Once perfectly seasoned, divide the creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving to your eager guests, creating a dish that’s ready to steal hearts!