Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato-cream sauce. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and ready in under an hour. This crowd-pleaser is versatile and sure to impress.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne pasta or any short pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This makes them easier to eat, too.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chopped onion for 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Spinach
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt, about 2 minutes. The spinach adds a pop of color.
Step 8: Mix in the Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Heat through for 2 minutes.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot, straight from the skillet. It’s ready to impress!