Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp sundried tomato oil from jar (divided, or olive oil); 1 lb. chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 tsp salt (divided); 1 tsp black pepper (divided); ½ onion (small dice); 4 garlic cloves (minced); ½ cup sundried tomatoes (packed in oil, thinly sliced); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2½ cups chicken broth; 8 oz. penne pasta (uncooked); 1½ tsp italian seasoning; ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature); ⅓ cup frozen spinach (thawed and pressed); ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)

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A tender, juicy chicken mingling with creamy sauce and perfectly cooked penne—it’s hard not to crave a dish like this. The vibrant colors of sundried tomatoes and the inviting fragrance of garlic and Italian seasoning pull you in even before you take that first bite. This isn’t just any pasta dish; Marry Me Chicken Pasta might just be the ultimate comfort food, tempting enough to make anyone consider a proposal (seriously!).

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What makes this dish genuinely special is that it’s quick and easy to prepare—a wonderful surprise for busy weeknights. With simple, budget-friendly ingredients, it’s perfect for meal prepping or whipping up a cozy dinner with minimal fuss. Everyone from novice cooks to seasoned chefs can whip this up without a hitch. You’ll soon find it as a staple in your recipe rotation. Trust me; once you try it, you may never want to let it go!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Recipe FAQs
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip it up in just an hour—perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, savory goodness with a delightful burst of sundried tomatoes and garlic.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A colorful dish that’s sure to impress at dinner parties.
Flexible Serving: Great as a cozy weeknight meal or for entertaining guests.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp sundried tomato oil from jar: This oil brings a wonderful, rich flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, olive oil will work just fine.
1 lb. chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Feel free to substitute with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken; use sea salt or kosher salt for a better texture.
1 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked works best to enhance the flavors.
½ onion: A small dice adds sweetness and depth. Yellow or white onions are good choices.
4 garlic cloves: Minced for aromatic goodness. Don’t skimp on this—it infuses the entire dish!
½ cup sundried tomatoes: Thinly sliced, these add a pop of color and zest.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Helps deepen the flavor; consider using a no-salt-added version if you want to control sodium intake.
2½ cups chicken broth: Add a savory richness. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought works perfectly.
8 oz. penne pasta: Uncooked, this will thicken the sauce as it cooks. You may use rotini or farfalle for variety.
1½ tsp Italian seasoning: A classic blend that complements the tomato and garlic perfectly.
½ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess—you can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
⅓ cup frozen spinach: Thawed and pressed to remove excess water; fresh spinach also works if you have it on hand.
½ cup parmesan cheese: Grated for a salty finish—look for fresh grated for the best flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Gather Ingredients: Prepare all your ingredients so you’re ready to go. It makes the cooking process so smooth!
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add 1 tablespoon of sundried tomato oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper, then pat it dry with paper towels to get that nice golden crust.
Cook the Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, add the cubed chicken in an even layer. Sear undisturbed for 3 minutes, flip, and cook for another 3 minutes. Once golden on both sides, remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining sundried tomato oil. Toss in the onions, garlic, and sliced sundried tomatoes, cooking for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant.
Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute. This elevates the dish with concentrated flavor.
Add the Broth & Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, uncooked penne pasta, remaining salt and pepper, and Italian seasoning. Return the chicken with any juices back to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
Let It Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil before covering with a lid and reducing to a medium simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
Stir and Continue Cooking: After 10 minutes, check and stir, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom. Re-cover and cook for another 10 minutes.
Check for Doneness: Remove the lid and check the pasta. If it’s not quite cooked, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth. Once the pasta is al dente, turn off the heat.
Finish with Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and thawed spinach until everything is warmed through and beautifully combined.
Sprinkle with Parmesan: Finish with the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt beautifully into the dish.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in an airtight container; it will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. For reheating, simply pop it in the microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop. The texture might change slightly, so adding a splash of chicken broth can refresh its creamy goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: It can continue cooking even after it’s removed from heat, so aim for al dente.
Flavor Enhancements: Try adding fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Timing Tips: Have all ingredients prepped and ready to maximize your efficiency in cooking.
Substitutions: You can switch up the protein with shrimp or turkey for a different twist.
Make-Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep. Just store the undressed portion in pre-divided servings before adding cream.

Whether it’s your first time cooking or you’re looking for a reliable favorite, this dish hits all the right notes. From its creamy texture to the burst of flavor, there’s a reason it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Dive into the world of comfort food with Marry Me Chicken Pasta and feel free to get creative with ingredients that bring you joy. Enjoy the warm, delicious experience this dish creates at your table.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While penne is a great choice because it holds sauces well, feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you love. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if needed.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing to avoid moisture build-up.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Just be sure to check the labels for any hidden dairy ingredients.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce. It complements the creamy texture beautifully and adds a nice kick!

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