If you have been dreaming of a pasta dish that feels both indulgent and irresistibly comforting, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken cubes and perfectly cooked pasta entwined in a luxuriously creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomato flavor, fresh spinach, and a touch of heat that keeps every bite lively. It’s a beautiful balance of hearty and vibrant, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that might just inspire you to invite a few extra friends over for a second helping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a vital role in creating layers of mouthwatering flavor and satisfying texture. From the creamy richness of heavy cream to the brightness of fresh basil, each component is simple yet essential.
- 1 lb. Pasta: Choose your favorite shape—penne, fettuccine, or farfalle all work wonderfully to soak up the sauce.
- 2 Tablespoons Butter: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- 1/2 Onion (finely diced): Builds a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
- 1 1/2 lbs. Chicken Breast (cut into cubes): The star protein, tender when cooked right and absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors throughout.
- 1 teaspoon Pepper: A gentle heat that complements the red pepper flakes.
- 4 Garlic Cloves (finely minced): Infuses a fragrant depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth: Adds moistness and umami, creating a silky sauce base.
- 2 cups Heavy Cream: The creamy dream factor that makes every bite lush and comforting.
- 2/3 cup Sundried Tomatoes (in oil, chopped): Brings a sweet, tangy, and slightly chewy texture that contrasts wonderfully.
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Offers just the right amount of kick to keep things exciting.
- 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy brightness and lovely color contrast.
- 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce for that quintessential nutty, salty punch.
- 5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves: Delivers a sweet, herbal aroma that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional): A subtle blend that rounds out the flavor profile if you fancy.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe by boiling a large pot of well-salted water to cook the pasta of your choice according to package instructions. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it’s magical for loosening up the sauce later and adding a silky texture to the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add your finely diced onion. Cook until it turns soft and translucent, about five minutes, releasing a gentle sweetness that forms the flavor base. Then, season your cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper and add to the pan, cooking each side until golden and cooked through—this usually takes around five minutes per side. Add minced garlic last and cook it briefly for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits that have settled on the bottom of your skillet—this is where much of the flavor hides! Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly to thicken. Then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and your chosen amount of red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about five more minutes so all those flavors can meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Greens and Cheese
Time for some color and richness! Stir in the chopped baby spinach and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Be patient and let the Parmesan melt fully into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy consistency that will coat every bite wonderfully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, fold your cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, stirring gently to make sure every piece is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help everything come together in perfect harmony. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, optional Italian seasoning, and sprinkle fresh basil leaves in for a final touch of bright herbal freshness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your creamy creation with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few ribbons of basil on top for the full effect. This step seals the deal in making your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe look as vibrant as it tastes.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil ribbons are all you need to elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. The cheese adds a salty finish while basil gives a subtle fragrant lift that makes every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad lightly dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Alternatively, present it family-style in a large, rustic serving platter surrounded by fresh herbs and wedges of lemon for guests to customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a fantastic next-day lunch option that tastes just as delightful.
Freezing
This pasta recipe is best enjoyed fresh because the cream-based sauce can separate when frozen and reheated. However, if you want to freeze it, do so before adding spinach and cheese, which you can stir in fresh after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess and stir frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is versatile, so feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options—you just want a shape that holds on to that sumptuous sauce well.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
It has a gentle kick that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the palate. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can dice the chicken and chop the veggies in advance to save time on the day you cook. Cooking the sauce fresh yields the best results for flavor and texture.
What wine pairs well with this creamy chicken pasta?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy richness nicely, balancing out the flavors and cleansing the palate.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it feel like a celebration on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a date night, or a family gathering, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and just the right touch of romance. I promise, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorites to make again and again.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast cubes cooked in a rich sauce of chicken broth, heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese, tossed with your favorite pasta and fresh baby spinach. Enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a gentle kick of red pepper flakes, this recipe serves a delightful family meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb. pasta (your choice of shape)
Chicken and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup sundried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 4 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Garnish
- 5–6 fresh basil leaves
- Extra parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then set pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook until lightly golden and fully cooked through, approximately 5 minutes per side. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet to incorporate flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes to reduce and slightly thicken. Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in chopped baby spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Cook until the parmesan melts completely into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Stir in fresh basil leaves for herbal brightness.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and thin ribbons of basil leaves. Serve warm for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
- Chopping the spinach before adding helps it incorporate better into the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower fat cream alternative.
- Fresh basil should be stirred in at the end to maintain its fresh flavor and vibrancy.
