Oh, my dear friends, gather ‘round! Today, we’re diving into a dish that has wowed many hearts and palates alike — Marry Me Chicken Pasta! I first stumbled upon this enchanting meal while scrolling through social media, where it seemed to pop up on every food lover’s feed. Curious, I decided to whip up my own version one cozy Sunday afternoon, and let me tell you, the aroma that wafted through my kitchen was nothing short of heavenly.
Imagine tender chicken, sautéed to golden perfection, mingling with the rich, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with flavor, and a gentle pop of fresh spinach. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, leaving you wrapped in a warm embrace of comfort. This charming dish doesn’t just delight the taste buds; it captures the heart. Trust me; you’ll want to make it for someone you adore (or yourself, because you absolutely deserve it!). So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create some kitchen magic together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a weeknight go-to for busy schedules.
- Healthier Option: Packed with lean chicken and spinach, it’s a delightful boost to your meal planning.
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy sauce, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and sharp Parmesan cheese dance beautifully together.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or impressing friends at your next gathering!
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|————–|—————-|———–|———–|————|———-|——————|
| Main Course | Italian-American | 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings | Beginner Friendly |
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – A great source of lean protein that cooks wonderfully with a golden sear.
- 8 oz penne pasta – These little tubes hold onto the sauce beautifully, giving each bite a tasty burst!
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is what gives our dish that luscious, dreamy creaminess. Don’t hold back; you deserve it!
- 1 cup chicken broth – Adds depth and richness to the sauce; use low-sodium for a healthier twist.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – These tangy, sweet gems add a pop of color and flavor you won’t forget!
- 1 cup spinach, chopped – Fresh greens for a lovely color contrast and a boost of nutrients.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Sprinkle in that cheesy goodness! It melts to create a delightful richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better! Adds a wonderful fragrant touch to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for enhancing all the amazing flavors!
- Olive oil for cooking – Use this heart-healthy oil for sautéing your chicken to perfection.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s dancing with bubbles, toss in the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Ah, that delightful smell of boiling pasta! Drain and set aside, letting it hang out while we create some magic in the skillet.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. The sizzling sound is music to your ears! Cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. When done, remove from the skillet and slice them beautifully.
3. Sauté the Garlic
In that same skillet — don’t wash it, we want all those flavors! — add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Just picture this: your kitchen smelling of garlic goodness! Next, throw in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and allow them to cook for another couple of minutes, soaking up all that garlicky flavor.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Ah, the steam rising up, inviting you to the pot! Now, swirl in that luxurious heavy cream and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. You’ll watch the sauce transform into a seductive creamy delight!
5. Combine It All
Add the cooked penne pasta and chopped spinach into the skillet, mixing until everything is coated with that luscious sauce. The colors here are vibrant and inviting! Finally, return your sliced chicken to the skillet to warm through. You’re almost there!
6. Serve Hot
Plate it up and dive into this delightful dish! Garnish with a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan and maybe even some fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy your cozy dinner!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Aim for juicy and tender; that golden crust will give you all the flavor!
- Customize Your Pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape for a personal touch.
- Make It Extra Creamy: Feel free to add more cream or cheese if you like a super creamy sauce!
- Have Fun with Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate this dish to the next level.
Flavor Variations
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp or even tofu for a lovely vegetarian twist.
- Seasonal Add-ins: Throw in some roasted cherry tomatoes or zucchini for a seasonal touch.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of warmth and spice.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread. For drinks, a warm glass of white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon would make the perfect accompaniment. When plating, don’t be afraid to get creative with garnishes; a basil leaf or two adds a lovely touch!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can easily prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cooked pasta also keeps well, just toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Leftovers
Transform your leftovers into a delightful pasta bake! Just layer the pasta and sauce in a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and pop it in the oven until bubbly. Comfort food at its best!
Freezing
Yes, this dish can be frozen! Just cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of extra chicken broth or cream to bring it back to life. The microwave works too, but don’t forget to cover it for even heating!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta that you love! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use non-dairy cheese for a dairy-free delight.
Can I add vegetables?
Of course! Broccoli, bell peppers, or even mushrooms could make a fantastic addition to this hearty pasta.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
A meat thermometer is your best friend! It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our delicious journey with Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I hope you feel inspired to bring this cozy dish to your kitchen. Remember, cooking is all about love, flavors, and fun, so don’t stress! Grab your favorite apron, put on some uplifting tunes, and let the kitchen fill with joy. Stay warm, keep tasting, and as always, enjoy every spoonful! Happy cooking, dear friends!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts A great source of lean protein that cooks wonderfully with a golden sear.
- 1 cup chicken broth Adds depth and richness to the sauce; use low-sodium for a healthier twist.
- 1 cup heavy cream This is what gives our dish that luscious, dreamy creaminess.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped These tangy, sweet gems add a pop of color and flavor.
- 1 cup spinach, chopped Fresh greens for a lovely color contrast and boost of nutrients.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Sprinkle in that cheesy goodness! It melts to create a delightful richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Because garlic makes everything better!
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking Use this heart-healthy oil for sautéing your chicken.
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta These little tubes hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Searing the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another couple of minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add heavy cream and whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Combining All Ingredients
- Add cooked penne pasta and chopped spinach into the skillet. Mix until everything is fully coated with the sauce. Return sliced chicken to skillet to warm through.
Serving
- Plate the dish and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!