Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish that’s quick and easy to make. Combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious cream sauce tossed with gluten-free penne pasta, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or romantic date nights. It’s a hearty meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a family favorite and a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
1 tsp salt, divided
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp butter (or ghee)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4.5 cups chicken broth
12 oz gluten-free penne pasta
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
7 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
3 cups raw spinach
¾ cup Original Nutpods or Half & Half (or heavy cream)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Cook the Pasta: Add uncooked penne pasta, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (optional), and the remaining salt. Stir, bring to a boil, and cook for 11-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.
Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet, along with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Stir and cook over medium heat until the spinach wilts.
Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in Nutpods (or cream) and Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approximate)

Calories: 541 kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 99mg
Sodium: 1434mg
Potassium: 1743mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 15g
Vitamin A: 2043 IU
Vitamin C: 20mg
Calcium: 181mg
Iron: 5mg

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a Crowd Favorite

Marry Me Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes for a winning recipe. Here’s why it’s so beloved:

Quick and Convenient: The dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
One-Pot Wonder: With minimal cleanup required, this recipe simplifies the cooking process while delivering maximum flavor.
Rich and Creamy: The sauce, made with cream or Nutpods and Parmesan cheese, is velvety and indulgent without being overly heavy.
Healthy Ingredients: Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes not only add vibrant colors but also pack the dish with nutrients.
Versatile: It caters to various dietary preferences with gluten-free pasta options and customizable ingredient swaps.

This perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity is what makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta a go-to recipe for families and couples alike.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its well-chosen ingredients, each contributing a unique element to the dish:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are tender and lean, absorbing the flavors of the seasonings and creamy sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tangy, slightly sweet gems provide a burst of flavor and contrast beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.
Spinach: A healthy addition, spinach not only enhances the dish nutritionally but also adds a pop of color and a subtle earthy flavor.
Pasta: Gluten-free penne pasta ensures the dish is accessible to those with dietary restrictions, though regular pasta works just as well for others.
Nutpods or Heavy Cream: The choice of a non-dairy creamer like Nutpods or traditional heavy cream allows you to customize the richness and dietary profile of the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: This ingredient ties the sauce together with its salty, nutty flavor and adds creaminess to the dish.
Herbs and Spices: Oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (optional) infuse the dish with warmth and depth.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to complement the others, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

A Versatile Recipe for Every Occasion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions:

Weeknight Dinners: Its quick preparation time and simple ingredients make it a lifesaver for busy families.
Date Nights: The dish’s rich, romantic appeal makes it a perfect choice for an intimate dinner at home.
Dinner Parties: Its impressive presentation and universal appeal make it a crowd-pleaser for entertaining guests.
Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal planning.

This adaptability ensures the recipe earns a permanent spot in your repertoire.

Customizing Marry Me Chicken Pasta

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be tailored to suit individual preferences or dietary needs:

Protein Substitutes: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Vegetable Additions: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients and texture.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer in place of heavy cream and substitute vegan Parmesan cheese.
Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to customize the heat to your liking.

These variations allow you to create a dish that meets your specific needs while retaining its signature appeal.

Nutritional Benefits of Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Despite its indulgent taste, Marry Me Chicken Pasta offers several nutritional benefits:

High Protein: Chicken and Parmesan cheese provide a substantial protein boost, supporting muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Vitamins: Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, and K, contributing to overall health.
Gluten-Free Option: Using gluten-free pasta ensures those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this dish without worry.
Balanced Macronutrients: The combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates makes it a satisfying and balanced meal.

While the dish is rich, it can be easily adjusted to suit lighter dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

Cook the Chicken Properly: Browning the chicken first adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to maintain the ideal texture.
Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up the browned bits after cooking the chicken for extra flavor in the sauce.
Add Spinach at the End: This preserves its vibrant color and prevents overcooking.
Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Fresh basil enhances the dish’s aroma and presentation.

These small details can elevate your dish from good to exceptional.

Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Falling For

Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its name by delivering an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Its creamy, tangy, and savory profile makes it a standout meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish never fails to impress.

The recipe’s adaptability and ease of preparation ensure it suits a variety of dietary needs and occasions. By following a few simple tips and adding your own personal touches, you can make this dish your own while staying true to its delectable roots.