If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible meal, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. It perfectly balances tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a vibrant medley of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all tossed with penne pasta to create a dish that’s as stunning as it is simple. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself to a delicious night in, this pasta promises to make every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to whip up an unforgettable dinner. Each one brings a special touch — from the luscious creaminess of heavy cream and parmesan to the bright tang of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs that awaken the palate.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and juicy results.
- Penne pasta: Holds sauce perfectly with its ridged surface, making every bite flavorful.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a punch of aromatic freshness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a sweet, tangy depth that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the dreamy, silky texture of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and build layers of savory flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A herb blend that brings classic Mediterranean warmth to the chicken.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for a gentle, spicy kick.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, leafy texture that balances the richness.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and a hint of fruitiness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps to brown the chicken to perfection.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor in the dish.
- Fresh basil: Optional garnish that gives the dish a burst of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your penne pasta until just tender but still firm to the bite, typically referred to as al dente. Drain the pasta but save half a cup of the starchy pasta water for later — this little trick helps adjust your sauce’s consistency perfectly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, generously season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and the fragrant Italian seasoning. This step is key to infusing the chicken with flavor that will marry beautifully with the sauce later on.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken for Golden Goodness
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Sear each chicken breast for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the pan and let them rest — this ensures juicy, tender chicken once sliced.
Step 4: Build Your Flavor Base with Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, without cleaning it out, sauté minced garlic for a minute to release its aroma. Then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking them just long enough to soften and blend their tangy flavor into the pan.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth to loosen all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Stir and scrape gently; these bits are liquid gold and form the foundation of your luscious sauce.
Step 6: Simmer the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and, if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly — creamy, smooth, and begging to be smothered over your pasta and chicken.
Step 7: Wilt the Fresh Spinach
Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and let them gently wilt into the sauce, adding vibrant green color and a mild vegetal touch that balances the richness beautifully.
Step 8: Slice and Return the Chicken
Slice the rested chicken into thick strips or bite-sized pieces, then nestle them back into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld into one harmonious dish.
Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce and chicken, tossing everything to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make every strand perfectly sauced.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese, a pinch of red pepper flakes for contrast, and a handful of fresh basil leaves if you have them. Serve hot and get ready to swoon over the magic you’ve created.
How to Serve Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are wonderful finishing touches that brighten the plate and add a pop of freshness. A sprinkle of grated parmesan right before serving elevates the creamy richness even more. Don’t skip the red pepper flakes if you enjoy a hint of spice—it gives the dish a lively kick!
Side Dishes
This pasta dish holds its own beautifully, but if you want to round out your meal, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also an excellent choice because its crunchy texture is perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve your chicken pasta in warm bowls garnished with colorful basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Layering plated pasta with chicken slices elegantly fanned on top can impress guests and make every bite feel like a treat from a top restaurant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it before sealing to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and avoid soggy pasta.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but because of its cream-based sauce, it’s best to freeze it immediately after cooking before adding the pasta. Store the sauce and chicken separately from cooked pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s silky texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work wonderfully as well. Just cook according to package directions and adjust sauce quantity if needed.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients like chicken broth are gluten-free to keep it safe.
What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?
You can try using half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich and thick. Alternatively, coconut cream works for a dairy-free twist with a different flavor profile.
Can I prepare this recipe without sun-dried tomatoes?
The sun-dried tomatoes add a unique depth, but if you don’t have them, roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes sautéed briefly can be good substitutes. Just adjust cooking time to soften fresh tomatoes properly.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I omit red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth to the dish—perfect for balancing the creamy sauce. If you prefer it milder, feel free to leave them out; the dish will still be deliciously flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has everything you could want in a comforting, elegant dinner that feels special without any hassle. It’s perfect for impressing loved ones or indulging yourself on a cozy evening. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and dive into this creamy, flavorful delight—you’ll be so happy you did!
Print
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
A creamy and flavorful Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta featuring tender seared chicken breasts, penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
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 & Sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest to maintain juiciness.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Using the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate rich flavor into the sauce.
- Make Cream Sauce: Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until it wilts, incorporating vibrant greens and nutrients.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Slice the rested chicken breasts and return them to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves before serving for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture ensures the best mouthfeel.
