This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is inspired by one of my most raved-about chicken dishes. Tender chicken and pasta are smothered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it all comes together in just 30 minutes.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is one of my most beloved recipes and it’s the inspiration for this pasta dish. It takes all those same warm and comforting flavors and wraps them up in a hearty pasta dish that is unbelievably satisfying. It’s made with tender chicken and al dente pasta bathed in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s one of those meals that will leave everyone daydreaming about it long after dinner is over.
While I can’t guarantee serving this pasta will end in a marriage proposal, one thing is for sure, it will definitely win over even the pickiest eaters at the table. And the best part is, it only takes 30 minutes to prepare. perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion. With one taste, you’ll see why this Marry Me Chicken Pasta makes any dinner feel a little more special.
If you love this, you’ll also want to try this Bang Bang Pasta and Creamy Beef and Shells.
Why We Love This Recipe
- New twist on familiar flavors – This recipe gives a new and exciting twist to the beloved flavors of Marry Me Chicken by transforming them into an easy pasta version.
- 30-minute meal – Made with simple ingredients, this version streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to get a delicious meal on the dinner table in just 30 minutes.
- Easy to customize – It’s created to allow you to make easy substitutions. Whether it’s swapping chicken thighs for breasts or using different types of pasta, you can easily give it your own twist.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- Penne pasta – Use dried penne pasta, or your preferred variety of dried short pasta.
- Chicken thighs – Skinless, boneless chicken thighs are the main ingredient in this recipe. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Olive oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, or your preferred frying oil.
Marry Me Chicken Sauce Ingredients:
- Italian seasoning – Use a store bought Italian seasoning, or make your own.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves taste best in this pasta, but you can use 4 teaspoons of minced jar garlic instead.
- Chicken stock – The chicken stock can be substituted with vegetable stock.
- Heavy cream – Whole fat heavy cream is best in this recipe to give the sauce its creamy texture and taste.
- Baby spinach leaves – Fresh baby spinach leaves are best used in this recipe.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Use pre-sliced sundried tomatoes, or slice whole sun-dried tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese – Use pre-grated parmesan cheese, or grate your own from a block of parmesan cheese.
- Salt and black pepper – Creates a flavorful sauce.
- Fresh basil – The fresh basil leaves are used to garnish the cooked pasta.
Recommended Tools
- Large saucepan
- Colander
- Large skillet
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To Make the Pasta
Step One: Boil the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in a large saucepan according to packet directions or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step Two: Cook the Chicken
- Add the cubed chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the Italian seasoning to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs, in batches if necessary, and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
How to Make the Marry Me Chicken Sauce
Step One: Sauté the Garlic
- Without cleaning the skillet, add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the cooked chicken stock and cream. Bring to a simmer for 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring often.
Step Two: Add the Cheese and Vegetables
- Add the chopped fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese to the skillet, along with the chicken and any resting juices.
- Simmer until the spinach has wilted and cheese has melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step Three: Add the Pasta and Serve
Stir the cooked al dente pasta through the creamy sauce. Divide between serving bowls and top with the fresh basil leaves.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken and Pasta
Store this creamy pasta dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat using the microwave or over medium heat on the stove.
This pasta is also suitable for freezing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating it.
Tips For Making This Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta
- Time management is key to getting this dish on the table in 30 minutes. Start boiling your pasta while the chicken is cooking to streamline the process and have everything come together at the same time.
- If the pasta finishes cooking before the sauce is ready, drizzle it with a little bit of olive oil to help prevent it from sticking together.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. If the sauce feels too thick or you want it silkier, adding a splash of pasta water helps loosen it up.
- After cooking the chicken thighs, let them rest for a few minutes before cutting. This helps retain the juices, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful when mixed back into the sauce.
- Once you add the chicken back to the skillet, let it simmer for a few minutes in the sauce. This helps the chicken absorb the rich, creamy flavors of the sauce.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Over Pasta
- Garlic bread or Homemade Breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
- Caesar salad with crisp romaine with a tangy Caesar dressing.
- Caprese salad is always a refreshing side dish.
- Steamed green beans are a simple and light option.
- Sautéed spinach is a great quick and easy side that complements the spinach in the pasta dish.
- Grilled veggies like zucchini or broccolini pair perfectly with the creamy sauce in the pasta.
Variations
- Tomato paste – Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to deepen the tomato flavor in the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes – Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a hint of heat in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
- White wine – Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the stock and cream for extra depth of flavor.
- Pasta shape – Swap the penne for other short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli.
- Dijon or whole grain mustard – Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard with the cream to add a tangy kick.
- Sautéed mushrooms – Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Artichoke hearts – Toss in jarred, drained artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
- Olives – Mix in a handful of pitted kalamata or green olives for little salty bits of flavor.
- Cream cheese – For an extra creamy texture, add a couple of tablespoons of softened cream cheese to the sauce.
- Grated mozzarella or fontina – Stir in a bit of mozzarella or fontina cheese for an extra-cheesy sauce.
Recipe FAQs
The dish got its name because it’s so delicious, people joke that it could lead to a marriage proposal! The rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create an unforgettable flavor combination.
Yes, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions so it doesn’t become too soft.
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. This helps keep the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.
To avoid curdling, make sure to simmer the sauce over medium heat rather than boiling it. Also, don’t rush adding the cream, let the chicken stock reduce slightly before stirring it in.
If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, there’s no need to soak them. Just slice and add. If you’re using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soaking them in warm water for 10-15 minutes can soften them up before adding them to the sauce.
Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can stir it into the sauce at the end just to warm it through. This will save time, but be sure not to overcook it so it doesn’t dry out.
More Great Dinner Recipes
- Creamy Tuna Pasta
- Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs cubed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped or minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups lightly packed baby spinach leaves roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves finely chopped, for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large saucepan according to packet directions. Drain and set aside.1 lb. penne pasta
- Add the cubed chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the Italian seasoning to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.4 skinless boneless chicken thighs, 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, in batches if necessary, and cook, stirring, until browned and no longer pink inside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Without cleaning the skillet, add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minutes or until fragrant. Add the chicken stock and cream. Bring to a simmer for 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring often.4 garlic cloves, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 cup heavy cream
- Add the chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese to the skillet, along with the chicken and any resting juices. Simmer until the spinach has wilted and cheese has melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.3 cups lightly packed baby spinach leaves, 1/2 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Stir the cooked pasta through the sauce. Divide between serving bowls and top with the fresh basil leaves.1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
Leave a Reply