Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an easy dinner recipe. Tender chicken and pasta in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
12 oz penne pasta
03 -
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
04 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ The Dreamy Sauce Base
05 -
1 cup heavy cream
06 -
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Flavorful Accents
08 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
10 -
3 cups fresh baby spinach
11 -
1 tsp dried oregano
12 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Finishing Touch
13 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Cut 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Have 12 oz penne pasta ready. This initial prep sets the stage for your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Dinner.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set aside.
03 -
Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
04 -
To the same skillet, add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 -
Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce slightly thickens. This creamy base is crucial for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Dinner. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
06 -
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add 3 cups fresh baby spinach and the cooked 12 oz penne pasta. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are coated in the creamy sauce. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
07 -
Garnish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Easy Creamy Dinner with 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately for the best experience.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear rather than steaming.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
03 -
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich. Fresh spinach can be swapped for kale, just add it earlier to allow more time to wilt.
04 -
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 953 kcal
Total Fat: 40 g
Total Carbohydrate: 72 g
Protein: 72 g