Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe

I absolutely love how the Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe comes together-it s a true lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty, comforting, and fuss-free. This dish packs layers of flavor with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce all mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all in just one pot! Trust me, it s a game-changer that quickly became a family favorite in my house.

When I first tried this recipe, I couldn t believe how simple it was to pull off with minimal cleanup. Whether you re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this one-pot wonder shines because you get that rich, delicious taste without the hassle of multiple pans. You ll find that the magic is in the balance of spices, the juicy chicken, and the creamy, cheesy finish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe come together beautifully to create that rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken and pasta cooked just right. A few pantry staples go a long way here, with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach adding bursts of flavor and nutrition.

• Boneless & skinless chicken breast: Using breasts cut into bite-sized pieces helps everything cook evenly and fast.
• Olive oil: Choose a good quality oil for a well-rounded flavor and better caramelization on your chicken.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives that essential aroma and depth; crushed works best to release all the flavor.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Finely chopped, these add a tangy, sweet punch that makes the dish special.
• Oregano: A pinch of dried oregano brings in a subtle Italian flavor boost.
• Paprika: Provides a gentle smoky warmth that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Dried pasta: Any smaller shapes like penne or fusilli work perfectly here since they cook evenly in the sauce.
• Chicken stock: Use low-sodium if you want more control over saltiness; it builds the base of the delicious sauce.
• Double cream: This adds that luxurious, velvety texture I adore in this recipe.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated for that nutty, salty finish that pulls everything together.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach wilted in at the end sneaks some green goodness without overpowering the dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right kick-freshly cracked always tastes better!

Variations

I love how versatile the Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe is, and I m always tweaking it based on what s in my fridge or the mood I m in. Feel free to personalize-who doesn t enjoy a recipe that adapts to your taste and dietary needs?

• Use different greens: Sometimes I swap spinach for kale or arugula for a peppery twist that adds more texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat; my family enjoys that extra zing!
• Low-fat substitution: Swap double cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream to lighten the dish without losing creaminess.
• Gluten-free pasta: Works just fine here-just be mindful of cooking time as some brands vary.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat your olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat until it shimmers-that’s when you know it s ready. Then, carefully add your bite-sized chicken pieces along with a good sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, until all sides begin to turn golden brown. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy, so don t rush it!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Turn the heat down to low, then toss in the crushed garlic, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir everything together gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is softened but not browned-you want that mellow, sweet garlic flavor to come through without any bitterness.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Flavorful Broth

Add your dried pasta and pour in the chicken stock, giving everything a good stir to make sure nothing sticks to the pan. Pop the lid on and let it cook on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and the liquid reduces nicely. You ll know it s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the stock has been absorbed, creating that creamy base we re aiming for.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach, Cream, and Parmesan

Turn the heat down to its lowest setting, then add the fresh spinach and double cream. Stir well for 1 to 3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the cream is heated through, making the sauce luscious and silky. Finally, check if the chicken is thoroughly cooked and season with salt and more pepper if needed. Turn off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan for that unbeatable cheesy finish. It s the little touch that really amps up the indulgence.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a little handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil at the end adds a nice shine and flavor boost. Sometimes, I add a crack of black pepper on top to make it look restaurant-worthy and taste even better!

Side Dishes

This pasta is pretty much a full meal on its own, but my go-to sides are a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread also makes an excellent pairing if you want something to sop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve served this pasta in shallow bowls with vibrant garnishes like edible flowers or microgreens to elevate the plate. You can also portion it into individual ramekins and bake briefly with extra Parmesan on top for a bubbly, golden crust that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus, but the pasta might soak up some of the sauce, so adding a splash of stock or cream when reheating helps loosen it back up.

Freezing

I ve frozen this recipe a few times, but I recommend freezing it before adding the cream and spinach for best texture on reheating. Once thawed, add the cream and spinach fresh while warming it up on the stove. The chicken and pasta freeze well but cream can sometimes separate if frozen together.

Reheating

I like reheating leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock or cream and stirring frequently to bring back the creamy texture without drying out the chicken or pasta. Microwaving works fine in a pinch, but stirring midway helps avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it s just so comforting and effortless – like a warm hug after a busy day. I m pretty sure once you try it, it ll become one of your go-to cozy meals too. So give it a shot, and don t forget to savor every creamy, flavorful bite like I do!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe

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• Author: Villerius
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make dish comes together quickly, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasonings

• 650 g (1.4 lb) Boneless & skinless chicken breast, about 4 breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 170 g (6 oz) Sun dried tomatoes, drained and very finely chopped
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 2 tsp Paprika
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Sauce

• 250 g (9 oz) Dried pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 650 ml (2.75 cups) Chicken stock
• 150 ml (0.75 cups) Double cream
• 50 g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 120 g (4 oz) Fresh spinach

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Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle generously with freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces start to brown on all sides.
2. Add aromatics and spices: Reduce heat to low-medium and add the crushed garlic, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika to the chicken. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until the garlic has softened and the spices are fragrant.
3. Add pasta and stock: Pour in the dried pasta and chicken stock. Stir everything together well to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Finish the sauce and add spinach: Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Add the fresh spinach leaves and double cream to the pan, stirring consistently for 1-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cream is warmed through. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking a piece is no longer pink inside. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Add Parmesan and serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

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Notes

• This recipe is designed as a one-pot dish, minimizing cleanup.
• Use dried pasta that holds up well to cooking in liquid like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
• Adjust the amount of chicken stock if necessary depending on your pasta’s absorption rate.
• For a lighter version, substitute double cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness, but you can reduce the quantity if preferred.
• Freshly grated Parmesan brings depth of flavor; avoid pre-grated varieties for best melting and taste.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg