If you’ve ever found yourself craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish that doesn t mean hours in the kitchen, then this Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe) Recipe is about to become your new best friend. What I love most is how it comes together in just one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy the meal. It s rich, flavorful, and seriously irresistible-perfect for when you want something that feels special but is so easy to whip up any night of the week.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how all those simple ingredients-the chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce-meld together into this luscious pasta that literally begs to be eaten again. You ll find that it s a fantastic way to impress family or friends without stress. Plus, it s flexible enough to tweak based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. The Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe) Recipe really shines when you want a one-pan wonder that s both elegant and quick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in a single pan.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of sun dried tomatoes and cream makes every bite rich and satisfying.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish in about 30 minutes-perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Family Approved: My family goes crazy for this recipe every time I make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together beautifully to create that rich creamy sauce with tender chicken bits and perfectly cooked pasta. When shopping, pick good quality chicken and sun dried tomatoes for the best flavor impact.
- Boneless & skinless chicken breast: Cutting into bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and fast.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for best flavor; it’s the base for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- Garlic cloves: Crushing them releases more flavor-don t be shy with the garlic!
- Sun dried tomatoes: Finely chopping them ensures they blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Oregano: Adds a subtle earthy and herbal note that balances the creaminess.
- Paprika: For a little smoky depth and color in the sauce.
- Dried pasta: Choose a shape like penne or fusilli that holds the sauce well.
- Chicken stock: Use low sodium if possible so you can control the saltiness.
- Double cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy-heavy cream works if double cream isn t available.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated is best for a sharp, nutty finish.
- Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a lovely fresh balance to the richness.
- Freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning and a touch of bite.
Variations
One of the best parts about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe) Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch up ingredients depending on what we re in the mood for or what s in my fridge to keep things interesting.
- Swap the chicken for shrimp: I once made this with shrimp instead, and it was a hit-just cook shrimp until pink and toss in at the end.
- Use gluten-free pasta: Works perfectly here to make it friendly for gluten sensitivities.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers: A quick sauté before the chicken adds extra veggies and flavor depth.
- Make it spicy: I ve added red pepper flakes once to give it a nice kick that my spice-loving friends adored.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is nice and hot, add your bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is just getting that golden color on all sides. It s okay if it s not fully cooked yet because it ll finish cooking later in the sauce-this step ensures juicy chicken with great texture and flavor.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Turn the heat down to low and add the crushed garlic, finely chopped sun dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika to the pan. Give everything a good stir and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic gets soft and fragrant. This part fills your kitchen with the kind of smell that s practically impossible to resist.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Flavored Stock
Next, pour in your dried pasta and chicken stock, stirring everything well to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Don t forget to stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. You’ll know it s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed into that creamy, tomato-infused sauce.
Step 4: Final Touches with Spinach, Cream & Cheese
Lower the heat to the gentlest simmer and add your fresh spinach and double cream. Stir well for 1 to 3 minutes until the spinach is just wilted and the cream is warmed through. Double-check that your chicken is fully cooked (no pink inside). Once perfect, turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This step gives the sauce that silky, cheesy finish everyone raves about.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe) Recipe
- Cut Chicken Evenly: I learned the hard way that uneven chicken pieces cook inconsistently, so cut to uniform sizes for perfect results.
- Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring occasionally while the pasta cooks prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Use Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan transforms the flavor-pre-grated just doesn’t compare.
- Monitor Liquid Levels: If the sauce looks too thick before pasta is cooked, add a splash of stock or water to avoid burning and sticking.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves-it adds freshness and a pop of color. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil finishes it off beautifully. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes is great if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is already hearty, I tend to serve it with a simple side salad-think mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a lovely accompaniment to soak up that creamy sauce. And if I m feeling indulgent, a side of roasted veggies works wonders too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a little shaved Parmesan on top. Serving with a small glass of white wine elevates the whole experience. You can also serve it family-style in the pan right at the table-it s cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When I reheat, the pasta tends to absorb the sauce, so I add a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy and fresh tasting. It reheats really well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezing
I don t usually freeze this dish because the cream sauce can separate after thawing, but if you want to freeze it, do so before adding the cream and spinach. Then, thaw overnight and add those fresh ingredients when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on low heat on the stove, stirring in a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps keep it luscious and avoids drying out. Microwave works fine too, just heat in short bursts and stir in between.
FAQs
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Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
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What pasta works best in the Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe) Recipe?
Pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce nicely. Avoid very thin pasta that may overcook too quickly in this one-pot method.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the double cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?
Check the pasta texture by tasting a piece near the end of the cooking time. It should be tender but firm to the bite (al dente). The sauce should have mostly absorbed into the pasta but still be creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe) Recipe is truly one of my go-to dishes when I want something impressive without the fuss. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant sun dried tomatoes come together in a way that makes every meal feel like a celebration. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do-it s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that s perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners alike. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta (One Pot Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce with parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines succulent chicken pieces and flavorful spices with pasta cooked right in the sauce, making a delicious, hassle-free dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 650 g (1.4 lb) Boneless & skinless chicken breast, about 4 breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 120 g (4 oz) Spinach
- 3 Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 170 g (6 oz) Sun dried tomatoes, drained and very finely chopped
Dry Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) Dried pasta
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 50 g (2 oz) Parmesan, grated
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 650 ml (2.75 cups) Chicken stock
- 150 ml (0.75 cups) Double cream
Seasonings
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with a good sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides of the chicken start to brown.
- Add aromatics and spices: Lower the heat and add the crushed garlic, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika to the pan. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the garlic softens and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add pasta and stock: Pour in the dried pasta and chicken stock, stirring everything together thoroughly. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the stock has been absorbed.
- Finish with spinach and cream: Turn the heat down to the lowest setting, add the fresh spinach and double cream. Stir vigorously for 1-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream is warmed through. Check that the chicken pieces are fully cooked. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Add parmesan and serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- Use olive oil for a balance of flavor and healthy fats.
- Choose your preferred pasta type, but short pasta like penne or fusilli works best in this recipe.
- Chicken stock adds depth; you may substitute with vegetable broth if desired.
- Double cream can be swapped with heavy cream for similar richness.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure stock is gluten-free.
- This dish reheats well but may thicken, so add a splash of stock or cream when warming up leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
