If you are looking for a dish that combines creamy, savory flavors with a touch of elegance, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful recipe balances tender, seasoned chicken with a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, creating a meal that feels luxurious yet surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply want to treat yourself to a memorable dinner, this dish promises to impress and satisfy every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to making the Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe shine. Each element contributes a unique layer of flavor, from the juicy chicken to the creamy sauce and fresh spinach accents.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed: Choose fresh chicken for tender, juicy bites in every mouthful.
- 14 ounces penne pasta: This pasta’s tube shape holds the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Brings out all the underlying flavors naturally.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness that complements the chicken’s seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile subtly without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle, warm kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base for searing the chicken beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds creaminess and depth to the sautéed onions and garlic.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its classic, fragrant aroma.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle sweetness and texture contrast in the sauce.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine: Gives a tangy brightness that deglazes the pan and lifts the flavors.
- 1/4 cup chicken stock: Adds savory richness to the sauce.
- 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: A burst of intense, fruity tang that balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious base of the sauce that brings everything together smoothly.
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce as it melts.
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves: Fresh greens that soften and blend into the sauce for color and nutrients.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Brightens the plate with fresh herbal notes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish: Optional, for anyone who enjoys a subtle spicy edge.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Season Chicken
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente—this ensures it will hold its shape even after tossing with the sauce. While the pasta cooks, generously season the cubed chicken with sea salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper on all sides. This simple seasoning forms the foundation for the chicken’s bold flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Sear on each side until it achieves a beautiful golden brown crust, roughly 8 minutes total. Once perfectly seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, allowing it to rest as you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add butter. When melted, toss in the thinly sliced red onions and sauté until they soften and turn tender. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant—the aroma that fills your kitchen here is downright irresistible.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the dry white wine and chicken stock to deglaze the pan, using a rubber spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits add incredible depth and richness to your sauce, so be sure not to miss this step.
Step 5: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes next, and let them simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Their intense, slightly sweet tang complements the creamy sauce that’s about to come together perfectly.
Step 6: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture. Taste the sauce now and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Step 7: Wilt the Spinach
Add the baby spinach leaves to the sauce, stirring gently until they wilt down and become tender. This step not only adds color but also brings a fresh, slightly earthy flavor to contrast the creamy richness.
Step 8: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the seared chicken and the drained pasta to the pan, tossing everything together so the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. This melding of ingredients ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, extra parmesan cheese, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. This presentation adds that extra pop of color and flavor that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that brings bright herbal notes contrasting the creamy sauce. Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat and extra parmesan for a rich, nutty finish. These garnishes make the dish look inviting and add layers of flavor in each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic buttered bread to complement the richness of the pasta. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans also pair beautifully to add fresh, crunchy textures and balance the creamy elements of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, plate the pasta in a shallow bowl and garnish with a few whole sun-dried tomatoes and spinach leaves for visual appeal. You can also serve the pasta family-style in a large serving dish with fresh herbs sprinkled on top. For added charm, drizzle a little extra olive oil or a spoonful of pesto alongside the pasta for a vibrant look and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it promptly once cooled to maintain freshness and prevent the pasta from becoming too soft.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before freezing. When thawed, note that the texture of the spinach may soften, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Stirring occasionally will help maintain the creamy texture without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine based on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make the Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I prepare this dish without wine?
Certainly! You can replace the white wine with extra chicken stock or a splash of lemon juice for acidity. The sauce will still be flavorful and rich.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe itself has a mild spice level, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent option if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Just ensure they are trimmed and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with the Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that consistently wins hearts at the dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special occasion, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta dinner.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta, also known as Tuscan Chicken Pasta, is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan in a rich heavy cream sauce, perfectly paired with penne pasta. This comforting Italian-inspired recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 14 ounces penne pasta
Sauce & Veggies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the cubed chicken breasts with sea salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper on all sides.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and melt it. Add thinly sliced red onions and sauté until tender. Then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the dry white wine and chicken stock to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate into the sauce.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to release their flavor into the sauce.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a slow boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, then stir in grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Wilt the spinach: Add baby spinach leaves to the sauce and cook until wilted and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Combine everything: Return the seared chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, extra parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes over the top before serving for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- If you don’t have dry white wine, substitute with extra chicken stock and a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be drained or used with oil for extra richness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on stovetop or microwave.
