Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those meals that is easy to make, full of flavor, and is ready to eat in only 30 minutes! Although you could make it as a quick weeknight meal, this dish is elegant enough to make for a special occasion including Valentine’s Day!

The name might sound a little odd, but it is rumored that this dish is so good that it is said that whomever tries this dish will fall in love with the one who made it. Seriously, how can you go wrong with chicken and pasta coated in a creamy sauce that is both hearty and delicious.

But what I love most about this dish is the combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan flavors that makes it a meal everyone will enjoy, even picky eaters. And the best part? You can customize it to fit what you like or what’s already in your kitchen.

Although I most often make this meal using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs or even leftover rotisserie chicken if that’s what you have on hand.

Regardless of the type of chicken you use, the chicken will get coated in a sauce that is creamy and flavorful. Add in the pasta and you will have a complete meal that is hands down, one of the best meals around.

Plus, it’s a one-skillet recipe (aside from the pot for the pasta), which means cleanup is minimal. And that is a win-win recipe in my house!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup spinach, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Use plenty of salted water so the pasta gets seasoned as it cooks. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle the pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.

If you’re using chicken thighs, the process for making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the same. They may take a minute or two longer to cook, so just make sure they’re fully cooked through before removing them from the skillet. For leftover rotisserie chicken, skip this step altogether. You can add the shredded chicken into the sauce later to warm it up.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 30-60 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir to make a roux. This step is important for thickening the sauce. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Then toss in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, and spinach. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts.

Taste the Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

4. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat it evenly. Add the cooked pasta and gently stir until everything is combined and heated through. Serve warm, with extra Parmesan cheese on top if you’d like.

Common Substitutions For Marry Me Chicken Pasta

One of the great things about this recipe is how it can easily adapt to your taste preferences. Here are a few common substitutions you can make:

• Chicken: As mentioned earlier, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Just make sure any cooked chicken you’re using is seasoned before adding it to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick and creamy, so you might need to simmer it a little longer to reduce it.
• Pasta: Penne is perfect for this recipe because it holds the sauce well, but you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or even fusilli. If you’re looking for a lighter option, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can leave them out or replace them with fresh cherry tomatoes. They’ll add a bit of sweetness and freshness to the dish.

Tips For Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Don’t Skip the Roux: Making the roux with butter and flour is key to getting the right consistency for the sauce. Take your time with this step and whisk the liquid in slowly to avoid lumps.
2. Season as You Go: The pasta water should be salted, the chicken should be seasoned before cooking, and the sauce should be tasted and adjusted at the end. Layering the seasoning ensures the dish is flavorful from start to finish.
3. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese will give you the best results for a creamy sauce.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, as it can thicken in the fridge. Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well because the creamy sauce can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Give this Marry Me Chicken Recipe a try the next time you want a simple, yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it as a quick weeknight meal or for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, this recipe is definitely worth keeping in your rotation.

However if you want to skip the pasta and make this recipe using whole chicken breast pieces follow this Marry Me Chicken Recipe.

Enjoy! Mary

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