Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil

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There’s a dish that can make anyone weak in the knees—Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Picture this: creamy, dreamy pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce, with tender chicken bathing in all the right flavors. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to throw on a fancy dress or suit, set the table with candles, and pretend you’re dining at an upscale restaurant. light orzo dish to pair But let’s be honest, it’s just you and your comfy sweatpants, and that’s perfectly okay.

I remember the first time I served Marry Me Chicken Pasta. My friends were over for a casual dinner party. As soon as they tasted it, their eyes widened like saucers, and I knew I had hit culinary gold. The aroma filled the room, wrapping around us like a warm hug while we laughed, reminisced about old times, and savored each bite. satisfying potato salad This dish is not just for special occasions; it’s perfect for any night when you want to impress yourself or someone special.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is incredibly easy to prepare and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen
The flavor profile is a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and tangy notes that dance on your palate
Its eye-catching presentation will impress your guests without breaking a sweat
Plus, it’s versatile enough to swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry!

I once made this dish for my mom’s birthday, and she declared it her new favorite! The smiles around the table said it all.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Pasta of Choice: Fettuccine or penne works best; choose whatever pasta shape speaks to your soul.
Fresh Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach adds color and nutrition—plus it wilts beautifully!
Heavy Cream: For that rich sauce that’ll make you feel fancy without needing to wear pants.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for maximum flavor—trust me; no one likes dusty cheese from a can.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable; don’t skimp on that aromatic goodness.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to let other flavors shine through without overpowering them.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing!
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates the dish to another level—bonus points if it’s homegrown.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for sautéing; it makes everything taste better!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients together so you’re ready to go. Chop garlic and sun-dried tomatoes while grating Parmesan cheese—everything should be prepped before cooking starts. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan recipe.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes per side), then remove from heat and set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant (around 1-2 minutes). Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring well to combine. Add Italian seasoning while letting everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted—this will only take about 2 minutes! Then slowly mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the creamy sauce.

Toss Everything Together: Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Gently toss until pasta is coated with sauce and everything is evenly distributed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired!

Now you’ve got yourself an irresistible plate of Marry Me Chicken Pasta! Enjoy every mouthful because you deserve it after all that hard work (or maybe just hard staring at Instagram). Remember: love at first bite is very real when it comes to food! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken recipe.

You Must Know

This delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a perfect blend of flavors that guarantees to impress
With its creamy texture and savory notes, it’s an experience to savor, making it ideal for date nights or family dinners
The aroma alone will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together, creating a harmonious dish that sings with flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also experiment with different cheeses or spices to tailor the dish to your taste buds, making it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess and heat gently on the stovetop.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve that perfect sear on chicken, ensure it’s dry before cooking
This enhances flavor and texture significantly
Use high-quality pasta for better absorption of sauce and flavor
Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking and losing deliciousness!

Cooking this dish reminded me of a cozy evening spent with friends, where laughter mingled with the aroma of garlic and herbs. Everyone couldn’t stop asking for the recipe!

FAQ

What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta special?

It’s a romantic dish packed with flavors that leaves everyone craving more!

Can I use different proteins?

Absolutely! Shrimp or turkey are great alternatives if you’re looking for variety.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options like zoodles or chickpea pasta for a delightful twist. delicious pasta salad option. healthy chickpea salad.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta