Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender seasoned chicken, al dente penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all combined in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this comforting meal offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 14 oz penne pasta
- Water for boiling
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- â…” cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Season & Sear the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken with sea salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper to evenly coat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 8 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and sauté for 3 minutes or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze & Build the Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine and chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let their flavor infuse the sauce.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach & Combine Everything: Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet, stirring until they wilt. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve the dish hot and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- If dry white wine is unavailable, use extra chicken stock or a splash of lemon juice.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness—choose oil-packed ones for richer flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them for a mild dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
