Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp sundried tomato oil from jar (divided, or olive oil); 1 lb. chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 tsp salt (divided); 1 tsp black pepper (divided, freshly cracked); ½ onion (small dice); 4 garlic cloves (minced); ½ cup sundried tomatoes (packed in oil, thinly sliced); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2½ cups chicken broth; 8 oz. penne pasta (uncooked); 1½ tsp italian seasoning; ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature); ⅓ cup frozen spinach (thawed and pressed); ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)

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A plate of Marry Me Chicken Pasta not only satisfies a hunger pang but also provokes thoughts of love and comfort. The creamy sauce clings to perfectly cooked penne, while succulent chicken pieces blend beautifully with the vibrant colors of sundried tomatoes and spinach. That first bite? Rich, savory, and undeniably indulgent. Coupled with the enticing aroma that fills your kitchen, it’s impossible to resist making this dish the centerpiece of your next family dinner.

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This recipe strikes an ideal balance between simplicity and elegance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or that special date night at home. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal using pantry staples or a foolproof dish that even kitchen novices can master, it’s all here. Each component works together effortlessly, ensuring a culinary delight without breaking the bank. Why not give it a try?

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep and cooking time are just 60 minutes total.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor from herbs and sundried tomatoes.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors make it visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family gatherings, cozy weeknight dinners, or impressing guests.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable with gluten-free pasta or dairy-free substitutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp sundried tomato oil: This oil adds a rich depth of flavor. Feel free to substitute with olive oil if needed.
1 lb. chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Chicken thighs can also work well for more tenderness.
1 tsp salt (divided): Essential for enhancing flavor. Use kosher salt for better control in cooking.
1 tsp black pepper (divided): Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick.
½ onion: Diced small. Yellow onions create a sweeter flavor profile, but you can use shallots for a milder taste.
4 garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with fragrance and flavor.
½ cup sundried tomatoes: Thinly sliced. They provide a sweet, tangy contrast; consider using sun-dried tomatoes in oil for richer flavor.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor. Always use high-quality brands for the best results.
2½ cups chicken broth: Low sodium is preferable, but you can use veggie broth for a lighter version.
8 oz. penne pasta: Uncooked. Any short pasta works, though penne holds sauce beautifully.
1½ tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs gives a classic Italian flavor that’s hard to resist.
½ cup heavy cream: For a luxuriously creamy finish. Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
⅓ cup frozen spinach: Thawed and pressed to remove excess water, balancing out the richness. Fresh spinach can be used as well.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Gather Ingredients: Prepare all your ingredients, ensuring everything is ready for a smooth cooking process.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of sundried tomato oil.
Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken, searing without moving for 3 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining sundried tomato oil, and toss in the onions, garlic, and sundried tomatoes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, penne pasta, remaining salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, and the seared chicken along with any drippings. Stir everything together.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce to a medium simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
Check Pasta: After 10 minutes, stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom, replace the lid, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Final Cook: Check the pasta for doneness. If it isn’t fully cooked and the pan looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth. Once cooked, turn off the heat.
Mix in Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and thawed spinach, warming until everything is well combined.
Serve: Sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Storing your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is simple. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container; it can stay at room temperature for about two hours. In the fridge, it lasts up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the pasta moist and fresh. Note that the creaminess may slightly change after freezing, but a quick stir with some extra cream can refresh the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan while searing chicken to get that lovely brown color.
Ensure your chicken is dry before seasoning to maximize seasoning adherence and searing quality.
If your pasta seems a bit tough, it can always be cooked a minute or two longer with the lid on, maintaining moisture.
To enhance the dish, toss in freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh touch just before serving.
You can prepare the chicken marinade a day ahead, making this dish even faster to assemble!
If you are meal prepping, consider cooking the pasta separately and mixing it in just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Each bite of this dish brings a sense of warmth, familiarity, and joy, making it not just a meal, but an inviting experience. The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful way to connect, whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively gathering with friends.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of penne, feel free to swap it with fusilli, farfalle, or any other short pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different pasta shapes may vary.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a delicious dairy-free version, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. The flavor will be a bit different, but still satisfying!

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

This dish is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. A light white wine can also elevate the meal experience.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to three months. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. The texture might change a little upon reheating, but a splash of broth should help revive it.

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