Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breast, sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese tossed with your choice of pasta. With a rich and slightly spicy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes, this 30-minute recipe promises a comforting and elegant meal perfect for family dinners or date night.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb. Pasta (your choice of shape)
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
- 1 1/2 lbs. Chicken Breast (cut into cubes)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 4 Garlic Cloves (finely minced)
- 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 2/3 cup Sundried Tomatoes (in oil, chopped)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach
- 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken until lightly golden on the outside and fully cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate that rich flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to allow it to thicken slightly. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Continue to simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Greens and Cheese: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Allow the parmesan to fully melt into the sauce, enriching it with creamy texture and savory depth.
- Combine Pasta and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, incorporate some of the reserved pasta water until your desired sauce consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Finally, add fresh basil leaves and gently stir through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken, garnishing with extra parmesan cheese and basil ribbons for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
- Chop the spinach ahead of time for easier incorporation and even distribution.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level; start with less and add more if desired.
- Italian seasoning is optional but adds a nice herbal depth.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
- Use fresh parmesan for best melting and flavor.
