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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 32 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a rich sauce of heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed with your choice of pasta and fresh spinach. This comforting recipe is quick to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb. Pasta (your choice of shape)

Chicken and Sauce

  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional)


Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
  2. Cook chicken and onion: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken until it is lightly golden on the outside and fully cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Create the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the pan, which add depth of flavor. Let the sauce gently simmer for a few minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes, then continue to simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Add spinach and cheese: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the cheese melt completely into the sauce, creating a creamy and slightly thick consistency.
  5. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and gently stir to combine everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water incrementally until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and the optional Italian seasoning. Tear and add fresh basil leaves for added aroma and flavor.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken mixture, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil ribbons for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed; it helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy.
  • Chop the baby spinach before adding to the sauce to distribute it evenly.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.