Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This recipe for marry me chicken pasta will win many hearts for sure! It’s irresistibly creamy and quick to make, perfect for any day of the week. Ready in 35 minutes!

WHAT IS MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA

Marry me chicken pasta is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines juicy chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and parmesan cream sauce. The name suggests that the dish is so delicious, it could make someone fall in love with you—or at least with your cooking! It’s a hearty, comforting meal that combines simple ingredients to create something truly special.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni or penne pasta. These shapes hold the sauce well and provide a satisfying bite.
• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• Shallot and garlic: Finely chopped shallot and minced garlic add a wonderful base of flavour to the sauce.
• Tomato paste/purée: Adds rich tomato flavour and depth to the sauce.
• Dried oregano: Provides a hint of herbal flavour.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy flavour that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Spinach leaves: Fresh spinach adds nice green colour and fiber to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: This is essential for the creamy texture of the sauce.
• Pasta water: Reserved pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavour and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a nice touch of heat.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a fresh touch to this marry me pasta recipe.

HOW TO MAKE MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Cook the pasta.

Cook 8 oz (225g) of rigatoni or penne pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the cooking water, and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken.

Season 2 diced chicken breasts (about 400g/1 lb) with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté aromatics.

In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for another minute to combine the flavours.

Step 4: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes.

Add 1 cup of sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 5: Create the creamy sauce.

Pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Add spinach and chicken.

Stir in 2 cups of spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about a minute. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

Step 8: Combine with pasta.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Garnish and enjoy.

Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!

STORING AND FREEZING

Refrigeration:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Freezing:

This marry me chicken pasta does not freeze well due to the high cream content.

TOP TIPS

• Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the pasta maintains a firm texture and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a smooth sauce.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, shallots, and spinach will make a big difference in the flavour of this quick pasta recipe.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink in the centre to keep it juicy and tender.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste your marry me chicken pasta before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.

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