Are you looking for a meal that feels truly special? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need tonight.
It is the perfect choice for a cozy date night at home. You get restaurant-quality flavor without leaving your warm kitchen. This dish is savory, creamy, and absolutely addictive.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a total game-changer for busy home cooks. It takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish. You only need a few simple ingredients to create deep, complex flavors.
The combination of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes is magical. It feels fancy enough for an anniversary but easy enough for Monday. Your family will keep asking for just one more bite.
Simple Cooking Method
Making this dish is straightforward and very rewarding. You start by boiling your pasta until it is perfectly tender. While that happens, you sear the chicken until it is beautifully golden brown.
The sauce builds right in the same skillet. This keeps all those tasty browned bits in your meal. Even a beginner cook can master this one-pan style sauce easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely in your pantry right now.
- 500g chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 340g penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 120g sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 240ml heavy cream
- 120ml chicken broth
- 50g parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 60g fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken and fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until spinach is wilted.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce until well-coated. Serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this pasta warm in large, shallow bowls. A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up extra sauce. You can also pair it with a crisp green salad.
For a romantic date night, light a few candles. Pour a glass of chilled white wine to balance the richness. It is a complete restaurant experience at home.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they make a fantastic lunch. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three tasty days.
To reheat, use a small splash of milk or broth. This helps loosen the sauce and keeps it creamy. Heat it gently on the stove over low heat for the best results.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce possible.
- Do not overcook your pasta; keep it al dente.
- Pat your chicken dry before searing to get a perfect golden crust.
- Save a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Add the spinach at the very end so it stays bright.
- For a holiday twist, double the recipe for a crowd.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood version.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- Add extra red pepper flakes if you love a spicy kick.
- Try kale instead of spinach for a heartier texture.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They are very juicy and stay tender in the sauce. Just cook them a few minutes longer than breasts.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely, most kids love the creamy cheese sauce. If your children are sensitive to spice, leave out the red pepper flakes. It will still be full of flavor.
I hope this Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings a little extra love to your dinner table. It is so simple yet feels incredibly special. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 340 g penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 120 g sun -dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 120 ml chicken broth
- 50 g parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 60 g fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken and fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until spinach is wilted.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce until well-coated. Serve immediately.
