Marry Me Chicken Pasta
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Protein Boosted & Irresistible

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❤️ Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Creamy, Dreamy, and Utterly Irresistible

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

Oh, friends, get ready for a dish that will steal hearts and tantalize taste buds! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, a creamy symphony of flavors that feels both luxurious and incredibly comforting. Imagine tender, pan-seared chicken mingling with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a rich, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce that begs to be savored. It’s truly a celebration of cozy, satisfying goodness, perfect for a special date night in, a heartwarming family dinner, or whenever you need a little culinary hug. The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!

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Quick Glance

  • ⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 4-6
  • 💥 Vibe: Creamy, Comforting, Decadent

Jump Ahead

What You’ll Need

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Gathering your ingredients for this enchanting pasta dish is the first step to a truly memorable meal. Each component plays a vital role in building those incredible layers of flavor.

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work wonderfully)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Let’s dive into creating this masterpiece! Each step is simple, building on the last to create a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish.

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, then set aside.
  2. Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and fully melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine and Wilt: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring, until the spinach wilts into the sauce, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

  • Add More Veggies: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even roasted asparagus for extra color and nutrients.
  • Spice It Up: If you love a kick, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
  • Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) for a delicious variation. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based chicken or increase the amount of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
  • Herb Power: Experiment with other fresh herbs like fresh thyme or oregano stirred in at the end for an added layer of aroma.
  • Perfect Pairings: Serve this hearty pasta alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Reviews

These heartwarming words from our community truly capture the magic of this dish!

  • Sarah T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This pasta is pure comfort! Made it for my husband’s birthday and he absolutely raved about it. So creamy and those sun-dried tomatoes add the perfect tang. Will definitely be making this a regular in our rotation!”
  • Mark D. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “As someone who isn’t a huge cook, this recipe was surprisingly easy and the results were incredible. It genuinely tastes like something from a fancy restaurant. My whole family devoured it!”
  • Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I’m obsessed! The chicken was so tender, and the sauce is just divine. I added a little extra spinach because I love my greens, and it was perfect. This recipe lives up to its name!”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs would be wonderful here, adding even more richness and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked through and tender.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed, then stir in freshly cooked pasta.

Q: What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?
A: No problem! You can omit them or try replacing them with a handful of finely diced roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and savory depth.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or chicken broth to help the sauce loosen up and prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul and brings a smile to your face. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is exactly that – a testament to the simple joy of good food, shared with loved ones. Every creamy, savory bite is an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the magic that happens when a few humble ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite music, and let the comforting aroma fill your kitchen. You’re not just cooking; you’re creating memories.

Recipe Note

For an even richer sauce, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the aromatics and before adding the chicken broth. This adds a wonderful layer of complexity!

Marry Me Chicken PastaMarry Me Chicken Pasta

Prep Time: 20 minutes prep, 
Cook Time: 25 minutes cook
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4
Calories: 750

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni recommended)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1.Season chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice or shred into bite-sized pieces.

2. While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

3. In the same skillet (no need to clean), add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.

4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

5. Add the fresh spinach and cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley, if desired.

Chef’s Notes: This creamy, sun-dried tomato and spinach chicken pasta is known for being so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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