Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 3 cloves garlic, minced - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup fresh spinach - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper When I cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I use simple yet tasty ingredients. First, I grab two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These provide a nice base for the dish. I also take eight ounces of penne pasta. This pasta holds the creamy sauce well. Next, I use one cup of heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. For flavor, I add three cloves of minced garlic. Garlic adds a lovely aroma and depth. I also chop one cup of sun-dried tomatoes. They bring a sweet and tangy taste to the mix. To finish, I include one cup of fresh spinach. It adds color and nutrients. Fresh basil leaves make a perfect garnish. Lastly, I season the dish with olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. These flavors work together to create a memorable meal. On a busy day, I love that these ingredients are easy to find. They come together quickly, making cooking fun and satisfying. This dish is sure to impress anyone you share it with! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. 2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. This step is key for flavor. 3. Add the penne pasta. Cook it just until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. 4. Drain the pasta. Keep it warm by covering it. 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. 3. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side. 4. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach 165°F inside. 5. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it. 1. In the same skillet, use the heat to sauté minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute. 2. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir it well and bring it to a gentle simmer. 3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Mix well for 2-3 minutes. 4. The spinach should wilt and blend into the sauce. 1. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Stir until creamy. 2. Toss the drained penne pasta into the skillet. Coat it well with the sauce. 3. Slice the rested chicken. Place it on top of the pasta for serving. To ensure the chicken cooks through, check its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat. If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear. When sautéing garlic, be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. Sauté it on low heat for about one minute. Keep stirring until it becomes fragrant but not brown. This step adds a rich, aromatic flavor to your sauce. For a romantic meal, presentation is key. Use a large, shallow bowl to serve the pasta. This creates an inviting look. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This simple touch makes the dish look gourmet. As for side dishes, consider a crisp salad or garlic bread. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well. Garlic bread adds a comforting touch. Both sides balance the creamy pasta perfectly. Want extra flavor? Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. They bring freshness and color. Toss them into the skillet with the garlic. Cook until they are tender before adding cream. You can also add proteins or alternative cheeses. Shrimp or grilled chicken work great with this dish. For a twist, try goat cheese instead of Parmesan. It adds a tangy creaminess that complements the sauce. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For enhanced flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes will elevate the dish, adding vibrant color and flavor to your pasta. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute some with chicken broth for added flavor without the extra calories. Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it immediately after cooking to maintain the creamy texture and vibrant flavors. {{image_4}} You can use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Both options add unique flavors. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until pink. - Tofu: Use firm tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Each protein choice alters the taste and texture. So, feel free to mix it up! Making this dish gluten-free is easy. Just swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. This keeps the creamy taste without the gluten. For a dairy-free version, use nut-based cheese instead of Parmesan. You can also replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich flavor. Experimenting with herbs and spices can elevate this dish. Try adding fresh thyme or basil for a new twist. A splash of lemon juice adds a bright tang. Balsamic vinegar also gives a lovely depth to the sauce. These small changes can make your dish exciting and personal! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Use glass or plastic containers for best results. Make sure the lid seals tightly to prevent air from getting in. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you use the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps keep the pasta moist. Heat in short bursts of one to two minutes. Stir between bursts to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water. This will help maintain creaminess. Stir gently until hot. Watch closely to avoid burning the sauce. To freeze the dish, you can do it either assembled or unassembled. If unassembled, store the cooked chicken and pasta in separate containers. This way, they will freeze better. Assemble the dish when you are ready to eat. If you freeze the assembled dish, use a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned earlier for the best results. The name "Marry Me Chicken" comes from its rich and creamy taste. Many say it is so good that it may inspire a proposal! This dish became popular for its flavor and its romantic vibe. People love to serve it on special dates or anniversaries. It combines juicy chicken with a creamy sauce that makes it a hit at dinner tables. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep: - Cook the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. - Boil the pasta a few hours before serving. Toss it lightly in olive oil to keep it from sticking. - When ready to serve, combine everything in a pot and heat until warm. This saves time on busy weeknights. A few sides work well with Marry Me Chicken Pasta: - A fresh garden salad adds a nice crunch and freshness. - Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans offer a healthy balance. These sides will make your meal feel complete and satisfying. This blog post shared a simple yet delightful recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to make your dish shine. In closing, this pasta is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy weeknight meal. Feel free to experiment with flavors to make it your own. Enjoy making this dish and impress your loved ones!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook as per the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.
  • While the pasta cooks, pour the olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into strips.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir continuously for approximately 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and is fully integrated into the sauce.
  • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened. Incorporate the drained penne pasta into the skillet, tossing gently until the pasta is completely coated with the sauce. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
  • Portion the Marry Me Chicken Pasta onto bowls or plates. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For an appetizing presentation, serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl. Sprinkle an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese on top and adorn with additional basil leaves.
Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, romantic