Marry Me Chicken Pasta Delightful and Easy Recipe

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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Choose fresh chicken breasts. They should feel firm and have no bad smell. For pasta, pick penne for its great sauce-holding shape. Look for heavy cream that is thick and rich. It makes the sauce creamy and delicious. When buying tomatoes, go for ripe cherry ones. They add sweetness and color. Fresh spinach should be vibrant green and crisp. Avoid wilted leaves. If you want a healthier option, use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried. You can swap penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. If you can't find heavy cream, use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You can also replace cherry tomatoes with diced bell peppers for a different twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get your ingredients ready. You need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, eight ounces of penne pasta, and some olive oil. Gather three cloves of minced garlic, a cup of heavy cream, and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget one cup of fresh spinach, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Lastly, have salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves for garnish on hand. Start cooking the penne pasta in a large pot. Use salted boiling water and follow the package instructions. When the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about six to seven minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about thirty seconds until it smells great. Now, pour in the heavy cream. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook this mix for about five minutes. The spinach should wilt, and the tomatoes should get soft. Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and becomes creamy. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the creamy sauce. Now, add the cooked penne pasta and mix everything gently. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the dish right away. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. To make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta shine, start with high-quality ingredients. Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. When cooking the chicken, ensure it's golden brown on both sides. This adds a nice taste and look. Don't rush the sauce. After adding the cream, let it simmer. This will blend all the flavors well. Mix the pasta just enough to coat it in the creamy sauce. This keeps it from getting mushy. One mistake is overcooking the chicken. This can make it dry. Always check if it's cooked through but still juicy. Another error is not seasoning enough. Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to make it pop. Lastly, don't skip the garnish. Fresh basil and extra cheese make a big difference in taste and presentation. Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls. This shows off the colorful veggies and creamy sauce. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. A few fresh basil leaves can brighten the dish. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread. This adds balance and makes your meal feel complete. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish significantly. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, make sure not to overcook it. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta water before draining. It can be used to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick. Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning or add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to the sauce. {{image_2}} You can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta vegetarian by swapping the chicken. Use mushrooms or eggplant instead. These options add a hearty texture. You can also use tofu for a protein boost. Cook them just like the chicken, browning them well for flavor. Feel free to add more veggies or proteins to your dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli work great. They add color and crunch. You can also mix in shrimp or cooked sausage for extra protein. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the cream. You can try different pasta shapes for this recipe. Fusilli or farfalle add fun twists. Gluten-free pasta is also a good choice if needed. Just make sure to cook it according to the package. Each pasta brings its own flavor and texture to the dish. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. This helps maintain the dish's rich flavors. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using a skillet, add a splash of cream or broth. This keeps the pasta creamy and avoids drying it out. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free. Simply swap regular penne pasta for gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great gluten-free options. Just follow the cooking time on the package. Your dish will still taste amazing! Marry Me Chicken Pasta can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. This way, it keeps its flavor and texture. When you reheat it, add a splash of cream for extra moisture. You can serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It adds a nice crunch and complements the creamy sauce perfectly! In this post, we explored how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta from start to finish. We listed key ingredients, tips for selection, and substitutes for your pantry needs. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, along with useful tips to boost your dish. You learned how to store leftovers and answered common questions about the recipe. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Try variations to suit your taste and impress your guests. Enjoy making this dish and sharing your love through food!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a meal that impresses without the stress? My Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is your answer! This delightful dish is simple to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for date night or a cozy family dinner, you’ll find easy steps and useful tips to make this meal shine. Get ready to capture hearts and satisfy taste buds—let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy pasta delight!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
  2. Rich Flavors: The combination of creamy sauce, succulent chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful medley of flavors that everyone will love.
  3. Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite veggies to make this dish your own.
  4. Impressive Presentation: With vibrant colors and garnishes, this dish looks stunning on the table, sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 8 oz penne pasta

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup fresh spinach

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Important Tips for Ingredient Selection

Choose fresh chicken breasts. They should feel firm and have no bad smell. For pasta, pick penne for its great sauce-holding shape. Look for heavy cream that is thick and rich. It makes the sauce creamy and delicious. When buying tomatoes, go for ripe cherry ones. They add sweetness and color. Fresh spinach should be vibrant green and crisp. Avoid wilted leaves.

Substitutes for Major Ingredients

If you want a healthier option, use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried. You can swap penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. If you can’t find heavy cream, use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You can also replace cherry tomatoes with diced bell peppers for a different twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

First, get your ingredients ready. You need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, eight ounces of penne pasta, and some olive oil. Gather three cloves of minced garlic, a cup of heavy cream, and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget one cup of fresh spinach, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Lastly, have salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves for garnish on hand.

Cooking Method for Chicken

Start cooking the penne pasta in a large pot. Use salted boiling water and follow the package instructions. When the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about six to seven minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out and place it on a plate.

Combining Ingredients and Final Steps

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about thirty seconds until it smells great. Now, pour in the heavy cream. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook this mix for about five minutes. The spinach should wilt, and the tomatoes should get soft. Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and becomes creamy. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the creamy sauce. Now, add the cooked penne pasta and mix everything gently. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the dish right away. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch.

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta shine, start with high-quality ingredients. Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. When cooking the chicken, ensure it’s golden brown on both sides. This adds a nice taste and look. Don’t rush the sauce. After adding the cream, let it simmer. This will blend all the flavors well. Mix the pasta just enough to coat it in the creamy sauce. This keeps it from getting mushy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is overcooking the chicken. This can make it dry. Always check if it’s cooked through but still juicy. Another error is not seasoning enough. Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to make it pop. Lastly, don’t skip the garnish. Fresh basil and extra cheese make a big difference in taste and presentation.

Serving Suggestions for an Impressive Dish

Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls. This shows off the colorful veggies and creamy sauce. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. A few fresh basil leaves can brighten the dish. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread. This adds balance and makes your meal feel complete.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish significantly.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, make sure not to overcook it. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  3. Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta water before draining. It can be used to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  4. Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning or add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to the sauce.

Variations

Vegetarian Version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta

You can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta vegetarian by swapping the chicken. Use mushrooms or eggplant instead. These options add a hearty texture. You can also use tofu for a protein boost. Cook them just like the chicken, browning them well for flavor.

Adding Additional Veggies or Proteins

Feel free to add more veggies or proteins to your dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli work great. They add color and crunch. You can also mix in shrimp or cooked sausage for extra protein. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the cream.

Different Pasta Options

You can try different pasta shapes for this recipe. Fusilli or farfalle add fun twists. Gluten-free pasta is also a good choice if needed. Just make sure to cook it according to the package. Each pasta brings its own flavor and texture to the dish.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. This helps maintain the dish’s rich flavors.

Reheating Best Practices

When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using a skillet, add a splash of cream or broth. This keeps the pasta creamy and avoids drying it out.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free. Simply swap regular penne pasta for gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great gluten-free options. Just follow the cooking time on the package. Your dish will still taste amazing!

How long does Marry Me Chicken Pasta last in the fridge?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. This way, it keeps its flavor and texture. When you reheat it, add a splash of cream for extra moisture.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

You can serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It adds a nice crunch and complements the creamy sauce perfectly!

In this post, we explored how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta from start to finish. We listed key ingredients, tips for selection, and substitutes for your pantry needs. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, along with useful tips to boost your dish. You learned how to store leftovers and answered common questions about the recipe. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Try variations to suit your taste and impress your guests. Enjoy making this dish and sharing your love through foo

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Choose fresh chicken breasts. They should feel firm and have no bad smell. For pasta, pick penne for its great sauce-holding shape. Look for heavy cream that is thick and rich. It makes the sauce creamy and delicious. When buying tomatoes, go for ripe cherry ones. They add sweetness and color. Fresh spinach should be vibrant green and crisp. Avoid wilted leaves. If you want a healthier option, use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried. You can swap penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. If you can't find heavy cream, use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You can also replace cherry tomatoes with diced bell peppers for a different twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get your ingredients ready. You need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, eight ounces of penne pasta, and some olive oil. Gather three cloves of minced garlic, a cup of heavy cream, and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget one cup of fresh spinach, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Lastly, have salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves for garnish on hand. Start cooking the penne pasta in a large pot. Use salted boiling water and follow the package instructions. When the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about six to seven minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about thirty seconds until it smells great. Now, pour in the heavy cream. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook this mix for about five minutes. The spinach should wilt, and the tomatoes should get soft. Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and becomes creamy. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the creamy sauce. Now, add the cooked penne pasta and mix everything gently. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the dish right away. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. To make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta shine, start with high-quality ingredients. Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. When cooking the chicken, ensure it's golden brown on both sides. This adds a nice taste and look. Don't rush the sauce. After adding the cream, let it simmer. This will blend all the flavors well. Mix the pasta just enough to coat it in the creamy sauce. This keeps it from getting mushy. One mistake is overcooking the chicken. This can make it dry. Always check if it's cooked through but still juicy. Another error is not seasoning enough. Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to make it pop. Lastly, don't skip the garnish. Fresh basil and extra cheese make a big difference in taste and presentation. Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls. This shows off the colorful veggies and creamy sauce. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. A few fresh basil leaves can brighten the dish. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread. This adds balance and makes your meal feel complete. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish significantly. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, make sure not to overcook it. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta water before draining. It can be used to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick. Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning or add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to the sauce. {{image_2}} You can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta vegetarian by swapping the chicken. Use mushrooms or eggplant instead. These options add a hearty texture. You can also use tofu for a protein boost. Cook them just like the chicken, browning them well for flavor. Feel free to add more veggies or proteins to your dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli work great. They add color and crunch. You can also mix in shrimp or cooked sausage for extra protein. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the cream. You can try different pasta shapes for this recipe. Fusilli or farfalle add fun twists. Gluten-free pasta is also a good choice if needed. Just make sure to cook it according to the package. Each pasta brings its own flavor and texture to the dish. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. This helps maintain the dish's rich flavors. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using a skillet, add a splash of cream or broth. This keeps the pasta creamy and avoids drying it out. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free. Simply swap regular penne pasta for gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great gluten-free options. Just follow the cooking time on the package. Your dish will still taste amazing! Marry Me Chicken Pasta can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. This way, it keeps its flavor and texture. When you reheat it, add a splash of cream for extra moisture. You can serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It adds a nice crunch and complements the creamy sauce perfectly! In this post, we explored how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta from start to finish. We listed key ingredients, tips for selection, and substitutes for your pantry needs. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, along with useful tips to boost your dish. You learned how to store leftovers and answered common questions about the recipe. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Try variations to suit your taste and impress your guests. Enjoy making this dish and sharing your love through food!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for about 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and mix everything together gently until well combined.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and color.

Notes

Plate the pasta in shallow bowls, allowing the colorful veggies to be visible, and finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a basil leaf on top for a fresh look.
Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, romantic

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