Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast, sundried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich Parmesan and heavy cream sauce served over your choice of pasta. This comforting and delicious meal comes together quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb. Pasta (your choice of shape)
Chicken and Vegetables
- 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 cup Fresh Baby Spinach (chopped)
- 5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves
Sauce
- 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
- 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 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 the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the chicken and sauté onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add finely diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken about 5 minutes per side, until lightly golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits which add flavor. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add greens and cheese: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the Parmesan melts completely and the spinach wilts.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and optionally Italian seasoning. Stir in fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil ribbons for presentation. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
- If you like spice, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
- Chopping the spinach beforehand helps it incorporate easily into the sauce.
- Reserved pasta water is a great way to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- This recipe can be made dairy-free by substituting heavy cream and parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
