Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for a dish that feels like a warm hug wrapped in rich, creamy flavors, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new go-to comfort meal. This saucy, luscious dish combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a dreamy sundried tomato and cream sauce that’s brightened by fresh spinach and basil. Every bite is show-stoppingly good, making it clear why it might just inspire someone to pop the question!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, each item playing a crucial role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that turn simple pantry staples into a meal worth celebrating.

• 1 lb. Pasta: Pick your favorite shape — penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work beautifully to hold the sauce.
• 2 Tablespoons Butter: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
• 1/2 Onion, finely diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 1 1/2 lbs. Chicken Breast, cubed: The hearty protein base that’s tender and juicy.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
• 1 teaspoon Pepper: Adds a gentle bite to balance the creaminess.
• 4 Garlic Cloves, finely minced: Imparts a fragrant punch that’s simply irresistible.
• 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth: Builds the foundation for a vibrant, savory sauce.
• 2 cups Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that coats every ingredient.
• 2/3 cup Sundried Tomatoes in oil, chopped: Provide tangy sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice.
• 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach: Offers freshness, a lovely green hue, and a touch of earthiness.
• 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory finish.
• 5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves: Brightens the dish with aromatic, garden-fresh notes.
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional): Provides an extra herby dimension if you want to jazz things up.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling a large pot of well-salted water, then cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente — tender but still with a bit of bite. Remember to scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy goodness is magic for thinning your sauce later and ensuring it clings beautifully to every noodle.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Cook Chicken

In a generously buttered large skillet over medium heat, toss in the finely diced onions. Sauté until they’re soft, translucent, and fragrant — about five minutes of patience that pay off big. Next, season your chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook until each piece is golden on the outside and fully cooked through, roughly five minutes per side. Just before moving to the next step, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for 30 seconds to release its heavenly aroma.

Step 3: Build the Saucy Base

Pour the chicken broth right into the pan and use your spatula or spoon to scrape up those lovely browned bits stuck on the bottom — that’s pure flavor gold. Let the broth simmer gently for a couple of minutes so it thickens slightly. Then stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and the red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Allow this decadent mixture to simmer for about five minutes to marry all those flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Parmesan Cheese

Now it’s time to drop in the fresh baby spinach, which you can chop ahead of time if you prefer a more uniform texture. Stir until the spinach wilts tenderly, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Let it melt completely, enriching the sauce and adding that signature nutty, cheesy flavor that brings it all home.

Step 5: Combine Pasta With Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to your skillet and give everything a thorough stir so every piece is coated in that gorgeous, creamy sauce. If you want a thinner consistency, pour in a little of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and the optional Italian seasoning. Finish with torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant flourish.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Dish your creation onto plates or a big serving bowl, then add extra Parmesan shavings and delicate ribbons of basil on top. These finishing touches not only add visual appeal but boost the fresh flavor and texture with every bite.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in elevating the final presentation. Sprinkle more shredded Parmesan and add basil ribbons just before serving. For a little extra flair, crack a few grinds of fresh black pepper and a drizzle of good quality olive oil. These little details bring vibrant aroma and a touch of elegance to this homey dish.

Side Dishes

Pair the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or serve alongside roasted vegetables to balance the creamy richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty artisan bread are also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests visually. You can also serve it in small individual cast-iron skillets straight from the oven for a rustic, cozy touch that keeps the dish warm at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor combination.

Freezing

While this dish freezes well, the texture of the pasta may soften upon thawing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, consider storing the sauce separately from the pasta. Freeze both in airtight containers for up to three months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before combining and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce consistency. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the creaminess and texture better.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable, so feel free to use whatever pasta shape you enjoy most. Just keep cooking times in mind, as some shapes may need a minute or two more or less to reach perfect al dente.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

You can for sure. If you’re in a hurry, shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. Just add it after the sauce has simmered, warming it through gently so the chicken stays tender.

What can I do if I don’t have sundried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sundried tomatoes on hand, chopped sun-ripened fresh tomatoes can work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be as concentrated. Roasted red peppers can also add a lovely sweetness and depth.

How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?

The amount of red pepper flakes is adjustable to your taste. The recipe suggests between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, giving the dish a warm, gentle kick without overpowering the creaminess. Feel free to omit or increase according to your spice preferences.

Final Thoughts

Trying the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is like inviting a little magic into your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s elegantly simple, bursting with flavor, and comforting enough to make anyone feel loved with every forkful. Give it a go, share it with friends or family, and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

A creamy, flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all tossed in a luscious parmesan and cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

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Ingredients

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Pasta & Protein

• 1 lb. Pasta (your choice of shape)
• 1 1/2 lbs. Chicken Breast (cut into cubes)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
• 4 Garlic Cloves (finely minced)
• 2/3 cup Sundried Tomatoes (in oil, chopped)
• 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach (chopped)
• 5–6 Fresh Basil Leaves

Dairy & Broth

• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese (grated)

Seasonings & Spices

• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
2. Prepare the chicken and aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook the chicken until lightly golden on the outside and fully cooked through, around 5 minutes per side. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
3. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift browned bits for extra flavor. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Add greens and cheese: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to fully melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Fold in fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness.
6. Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pasta and garnish with additional parmesan and basil ribbons for an elegant finish. Enjoy immediately while warm.

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Notes

• Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, fusilli, or farfalle work particularly well to hold the sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance.
• Chopping the spinach ahead of time helps it blend better into the creamy sauce.
• Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less rich.