The Ultimate One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe That Wows

Chicken pasta with a charmingly provocative name promises an irresistible culinary adventure.

Romantic dinners demand something special that sparks conversation and delight.

Creamy sauce and tender meat create a sensational combination that melts hearts instantly.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum flavor without complicated steps.

Herbs and seasonings dance together, making each bite memorable and exciting.

This dish whispers sweet promises of comfort and connection around the dinner table.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – All The Temptations

• Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up a delicious meal in just one pot, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combine creamy Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes for a mouthwatering dish that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this pasta recipe appeals to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts with its rich, harmonious flavors.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach, and a creamy sauce that feels indulgent while still offering a balanced meal.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Pasta Success

• Chicken: Tender cubed meat that serves as the primary protein for this hearty pasta dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich ingredients that create a creamy and luxurious sauce with a smooth texture.

• Penne Pasta: Tubular pasta that absorbs the flavorful sauce and provides a satisfying base for the dish.
• Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Flavor-enhancing ingredients that add depth, tanginess, and nutritional value.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil: Essential components that build layers of flavor and help cook the chicken and pasta perfectly.

One Pot Chicken Pasta – Simple Cooking Steps

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Cook the chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior, creating delicious caramelized edges.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for a quick minute.

Let the garlic release its aromatic essence, filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

Gently bring the mixture to a soft simmer, allowing the liquids to meld and create a luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the pot.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, transforming the sauce into a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Tomatoes

Introduce sun-dried tomatoes and uncooked penne pasta to the pot.

Cover and let everything simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the pasta absorbs the creamy sauce and becomes perfectly tender.

Step 6: Wilt in the Greens

Fold fresh spinach into the pasta.

Allow the greens to gently wilt and integrate into the dish, adding a pop of color and nutritional boost.

Step 7: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ensure every bite is packed with delicious flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the pasta while it’s hot.

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness if desired.

Tricks For Creamier Chicken Pasta Every Time

• Slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Stir pasta frequently during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure each piece cooks evenly in the creamy sauce.
• Crush dried Italian seasoning between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatics and deepen the dish's taste profile.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a delicious vegan version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• If sauce seems too thick, gradually add more chicken broth to reach desired creaminess without compromising the recipe's delectable flavor balance.

Fun Twists For One Pot Chicken Pasta

• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Veggie Lover's Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
• Gluten-Free Gourmet: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for a celiac-friendly option.
• Spicy Kickback: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring a fiery heat to the classic recipe, creating a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta Beautifully

• Romantic Dinner Date Night: Serve this creamy pasta on elegant white plates with soft candlelight and a glass of crisp white wine to create an intimate atmosphere perfect for couples.
• Weeknight Family Feast: Pair the dish with a simple green salad and warm garlic bread to transform the pasta into a complete meal that kids and adults will love devouring together.
• Meal Prep Champion: Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches, adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes when reheating to refresh the flavors and boost excitement.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing pasta to gatherings in a beautiful serving dish, garnishing with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs to make it look restaurant-worthy and impressive.

Leftover Storage For Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle. Just ensure cooking times remain similar.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not spicy. It has a creamy, savory flavor profile with herbs and cheese.

• Can I make this dish dairy-free?

It’s challenging since the recipe relies on heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. You’d need specific dairy-free alternatives that might alter the original taste.

• How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Stir occasionally during cooking and check pasta tenderness at the 12-minute mark. Remove from heat immediately once pasta reaches desired texture.

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy marry me chicken pasta promises an irresistible culinary journey through Italian-inspired comfort. Silky sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta blend into a romantic dinner that seals delicious commitments with each savory bite you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Liquids and Pasta:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken cubes in olive oil over medium heat (375°F), coating with aromatic spices until golden and caramelized.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the pot, releasing its intense fragrance for approximately 45-60 seconds.
3. Stream chicken broth and velvety heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce base that gently bubbles.
4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese dissolves completely and melds with the liquid, forming a silky consistency.
5. Add tangy sun-dried tomatoes and raw penne pasta directly into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is submerged.
6. Cover the pot and allow contents to simmer for 13-14 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the dish, letting them wilt and integrate seamlessly with the creamy pasta.
8. Taste and fine-tune seasoning, adding pinches of salt or pepper as needed to enhance overall flavor profile.
9. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese for a decadent finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, savory flavor profile.
• Reduce heavy cream and use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative without sacrificing richness.
• Toast dried herbs briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify the overall seasoning depth.
• Keep pasta slightly al dente during cooking to prevent mushiness and ensure a perfect texture when the dish sits for a few minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg