If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with those little touches—like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach—that make every bite unforgettable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta delivers that perfect harmony of rich sauce and tender chicken that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Let me take you through every step so you can create this magic in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe features straightforward, readily available ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dish. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that will make your meal truly shine.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, juicy and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Holds onto the luscious sauce with each bite.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Introduces a tangy sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich and velvety texture of the sauce.
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor that’s absolutely essential.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps build flavor and balances the creaminess.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbs that complement every ingredient perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of smoky heat that wakes up the palate.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds color and a fresh, slightly earthy note, plus a nutritional boost.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and carrying flavor.
- 1 tbsp butter: Helps develop that golden crust on the chicken and enriches the sauce.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional): A fragrant, beautiful finishing touch that brightens the plate.
How to Make Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—salting the water is crucial because it seasons the pasta from within. Cook your penne until it’s perfectly al dente, meaning tender but with a slight bite. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water; this starchy liquid will help you adjust sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Give those chicken breasts a good seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat—this combo brings beautiful caramelization and richness. Sear the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest; this keeps it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
With the chicken resting, use the same pan to your advantage. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, just about a minute, stirring carefully so it doesn’t burn. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes next, letting their tangy flavor warm up for another minute. This step sets a vibrant, savory foundation for your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck on the bottom—this adds layers of flavor you don’t want to miss. Then, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Slowly add the parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. This creamy sauce is the heart and soul of the Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Combine
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and let it wilt perfectly, infusing the sauce with green freshness and a slight earthiness. Now slice the rested chicken and return it to the pan, allowing it to simmer with the sauce and spinach for a few minutes. This brings everything together, melding the sophisticated flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Toss Pasta and Finish
Finally, toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, coat it thoroughly in the luscious sauce, and add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the ideal silky texture. The sauce clings to every piece, making each forkful heavenly. Ready to impress!
How to Serve Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese elevates every bite with savory richness. Finish with a few red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost, and a handful of fresh basil leaves brings a fresh, aromatic contrast that delights both the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to add a crunchy side, a crisp Caesar salad or some garlic bread works beautifully. The salad cuts through the richness, while the bread invites you to sop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta in individual bowls garnished with basil and a lemon wedge for a pop of brightness. Or, plate it family-style on a beautiful platter topped with freshly grated parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil—it makes gathering around the table even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen, making it just as delightful the next day. Just be sure to keep the sauce covered to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce can separate a little after freezing, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately in freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Microwave works too but stir every minute to prevent hotspots and keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne is classic for this recipe, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work well because they hold onto the sauce nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious in its own way.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that enhances the other flavors without overpowering the dish. You can adjust or omit them based on your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will give a richer and slightly more tender result, just adjust cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
How can I make this recipe quicker?
Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time; simply slice it and add it to the sauce at the end, skipping the searing step.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s impressive without being complicated, comforting yet fresh, and guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep handy for any occasion!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with a rich parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed with al dente penne pasta and fresh spinach. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional)
- Additional red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest to keep it juicy.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Using the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift the browned bits, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Make the cream sauce: Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt in the warm sauce, which will add a nutritious and fresh flavor.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Finish the dish by garnishing with extra parmesan cheese, more red pepper flakes if desired, and fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and herbal aroma. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will give a richer flavor than dry-packed varieties.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula for different flavors.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjust sauce consistency without watering it down.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
