Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking and cooking simple for everyone! Today, get ready to fall in love with our incredible Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish has captured hearts worldwide with its incredibly rich, creamy tomato-infused sauce and tender chicken. It’s a beloved recipe for a reason, promising a truly irresistible flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Quick and Easy: Whip up this delicious meal in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Incredibly Rich and Creamy: The luscious sauce is bursting with flavor, making every bite a delight.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta dish feels special.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already.
Family-Friendly and Customizable: Easily adjust flavors and additions to suit everyone’s tastes.

Ingredients

Creating this amazing Marry Me Chicken Pasta begins with a few fresh and flavorful components. We combine tender chicken with bright sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a luxurious creamy sauce. Every ingredient plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature rich taste.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
3 cups fresh spinach
8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne, fettuccine, linguine)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs offer more moisture and flavor. You can also use chicken tenderloins.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Ensure they are oil-packed for the best flavor; you can also rehydrate dried ones in hot water.
Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
Cheese: Asiago or Pecorino Romano make excellent substitutes for Parmesan, adding a sharp, salty note.
Herbs: Feel free to use fresh Italian herbs like oregano or thyme if you have them on hand.
Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference; omit entirely if you prefer no heat.
Vegetables: Enhance the dish with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some finely chopped kale.
Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify your chicken broth is GF certified.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy gadgets to create this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick.

Large skillet or Dutch oven (12-inch is ideal)
Large pot for cooking pasta
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

Instructions

Getting this flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta on the table is a straightforward process, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare Chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry. Season them evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, along with the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
Simmer Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
As noted by culinary experts, avoiding a rolling boil when simmering cream is crucial to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth texture.
Do not bring the sauce to a rolling boil.
Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted completely into the creamy sauce.
Combine: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Overcooked chicken can become tough.
Creamy Sauce Secrets: Always simmer heavy cream gently; boiling it too hard can cause it to separate or become grainy. A slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Preventing Clumpy Pasta: Adding a splash of the starchy pasta water to the sauce helps it emulsify and cling perfectly to the pasta, preventing a dry or clumpy dish.
Flavor Boosters: A splash of dry white wine deglazed after the aromatics adds depth. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
Make Ahead Tips: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.

Serving:
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli adds a healthy and vibrant side dish.
Storage:
- Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing and reheating.
Variations:
- Spicy Version: For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with plant-based chicken strips, hearty chickpeas, or pan-seared extra-firm tofu.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with smoked gouda for a smoky flavor, or fresh mozzarella for a gooey texture.
- Additions: Fold in sautéed mushrooms, marinated artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an estimated value per serving. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount (Estimated per serving)
Calories	650 kcal
Protein	40g
Fat	45g
Saturated Fat	25g
Cholesterol	150mg
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	3g
Sodium	800mg

FAQ

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta? It’s a popular and rich dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and spinach, typically served with pasta. The name comes from its irresistible quality that supposedly makes people want to propose!
Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta. They tend to stay more moist and offer a richer flavor than breasts.
Can I make it dairy-free? You can try using full-fat coconut cream or a homemade cashew cream to replace the heavy cream and a plant-based Parmesan substitute. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it can still be delicious.
How do I thicken the sauce? If your sauce isn’t thick enough, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce, or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute until thickened.
Can I prepare it in advance? While best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
What kind of pasta is best? Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or rotini all work beautifully with the creamy sauce. Choose a shape that can hold onto the sauce well.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is truly a dish that lives up to its name. Its luxurious creaminess, tender chicken, and vibrant flavors make it an undeniable crowd-placer that feels both elegant and comforting. We hope this easy-to-follow recipe brings a little joy and deliciousness to your kitchen, proving that making incredible meals doesn’t have to be complicated.

We encourage you to try this irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe tonight! Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let us know how much you loved it, and share your culinary creations with the Sweet Emily community. Happy cooking!

Appetizing close-up of creamy marry me chicken pasta with golden chicken, mushrooms, and fresh herbs in a metal pan.

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