If you are craving something rich, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to make on special occasions or anytime you want to spoil yourself or loved ones with pure deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients, each one playing a vital role to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the juicy chicken to the decadent sauce components, these essentials are easy to find and combine effortlessly.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cubed for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and pasta.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth to the seasoning.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory depth in the chicken.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Provides just the right amount of mild heat.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken to golden perfection.
- 14 oz penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- Water for boiling: To cook the pasta al dente.
- 2 tbsp salted butter: For sautéing onions and adding richness to the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy undertone.
- ¼ cup dry white wine: Deglazes the pan, lifting all those tasty bits.
- ¼ cup chicken stock: Builds depth and moistens the sauce.
- ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Give an intense, tangy burst of flavor and vivid color.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated: Melts into the sauce adding nutty, salty richness.
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves: Adds freshness and vibrant green color while softening into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For bright, herby garnish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of spice if you want to kick things up a notch.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is key to seasoning your pasta as it cooks. Add the penne and cook until just al dente, meaning tender but still firm when bitten. Drain it and set it aside; this will be mixed back later to soak up all the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, toss the cubed chicken with sea salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. These spices really enhance the chicken’s natural flavors. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 8 minutes, turning until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the salted butter. Add the thinly sliced red onion and sauté for 3 minutes until it softens and starts to caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This step builds the aromatic foundation that will make the sauce unforgettable.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine and chicken stock, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces slightly and intensifies in flavor. Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes to let their tangy sweetness meld into the sauce.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese while stirring to melt it smoothly into the sauce. Watch as the sauce thickens and turns luxuriously velvety—a critical moment that makes the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe so memorable.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Combine Everything
Stir in the baby spinach leaves and allow them to wilt into the sauce, adding color and tender greens that balance out the richness. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta back to the skillet. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of penne and chunk of chicken is coated in that beautiful creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and optional crushed red pepper flakes if you want that little spicy kick. Serve the dish hot, and enjoy the satisfying, soul-warming flavors of this beloved Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a mild, herby freshness to each bite, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce beautifully. For those who enjoy a touch of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving to give it a subtle spicy flavor that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own but pairs exquisitely with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, which adds brightness and contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, making your meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in rustic bowls or deep plates to keep the sauce beautifully contained. Adding a small pile of grated Parmesan on the side lets guests customize their cheesy love. For an elegant touch, add a sprig of fresh parsley or basil on top to elevate the look instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, so leftovers can be surprisingly delicious, just be sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the creamy sauce.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions by transferring them to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. When freezing, leave out the fresh spinach and parsley, as they do not freeze well—add fresh greens when reheating instead.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Stir frequently until heated through. Microwaving is also possible, but do so in short bursts to avoid overheating the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and add incredible flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to make sure they are cooked through perfectly.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Penne pasta is ideal because its tube shape captures the creamy sauce, but you can also use rigatoni or farfalle. Just pick a pasta that holds sauce well to get the best experience.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The texture changes slightly but it still tastes wonderful.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the onions for extra color and nutrition. Simply sauté them when cooking the aromatics before adding liquids.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe scales up easily. Just multiply ingredients accordingly and use a large enough skillet or pan to accommodate the increased quantities.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that keeps me coming back to it. The rich, creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and the perfect pasta make for a dish that feels like a celebration every time you plate it. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to comfort meal that impresses all who taste it!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender seasoned chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce with fresh spinach. This quick and comforting 30-minute skillet recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 14 oz penne pasta
- Water for boiling
- 2 tbsp salted butter
Sauce & Vegetables
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season & Sear the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken with sea salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for approximately 8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the salted butter. Add the sliced red onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze & Build the Sauce: Pour the dry white wine and chicken stock into the skillet, scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the heavy cream to the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach & Combine Everything: Toss in the baby spinach leaves and stir until wilted. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Mix all ingredients together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve & Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with additional chicken stock or water if preferred.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick but are optional.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
