WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
If you’re searching for an easy, delicious meal that impresses, look no further. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that strikes the perfect balance of creamy flavor and tender chicken. You’ll wow your loved ones while enjoying a simple cooking process. With just a few key ingredients, this dish is both satisfying and quick to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful Sauce: The creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes adds a rich flavor that elevates the dish.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks and tastes gourmet, making it a great choice for date nights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup baby spinach
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you need a few key items. First, get your chicken breasts. These will be the stars of the dish. You will also need pasta. Fettuccine or spaghetti works best. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Garlic brings a nice aroma to your meal.
Red pepper flakes will give some heat; you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. Chicken broth adds depth, while heavy cream makes the sauce rich. Sun-dried tomatoes offer a sweet and tangy taste. Baby spinach adds a healthy touch and color to the dish. Parmesan cheese is a must for that cheesy goodness. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you will have everything at hand. Each component plays an important role, making your meal both tasty and satisfying. Enjoy the process of cooking with these great ingredients!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
– How to cook pasta to al dente: Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt. Once the water is bubbling, add 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Taste a piece to check for doneness. It should be firm yet tender.
– Draining and reserving pasta water: When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander. Make sure to save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later.
Cooking the Chicken
– Seasoning and cooking the chicken breasts: Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Ensuring chicken is cooked through: Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest.
Making the Sauce
– Sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes: In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell the garlic. Be careful not to burn it.
– Adding the chicken broth and reducing it: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits from the skillet. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce for about 2-3 minutes.
– Incorporating cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach: Lower the heat, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of baby spinach and stir until it wilts.
Combining Ingredients
– Slicing the chicken and mixing with pasta and sauce: Take the rested chicken and slice it into thin strips. Add the chicken back into the skillet. Pour in the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
– Adjusting sauce consistency and seasoning: Mix everything well. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Chicken
To make juicy chicken breasts, start by seasoning them well. Use salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side in olive oil. Make sure the center reaches 165°F. This way, your chicken stays moist and tender. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside.
Enhancing the Sauce
Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Start with 1 teaspoon and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want a spicier sauce. For extra richness, stir in more heavy cream. This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. You can adjust the amount based on your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs well with simple sides. Garlic bread or a fresh salad works great. For a nice touch, you can garnish with fresh basil leaves. Add more grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. This not only makes the dish look good but also adds taste.
Pro Tips
- Chicken Tenderness: Make sure not to overcook the chicken breasts; they should be juicy and tender for the best flavor.
- Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Customize Your Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference; you can even omit it for a milder dish.
- Fresh Basil Addition: Adding fresh basil at the end enhances the flavor of the dish; consider tearing the leaves for a more aromatic experience.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change the protein in this dish. Try shrimp instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks fast and adds great flavor. You can also use tofu for a plant-based option. It soaks up the sauce well. If you need gluten-free pasta, look for rice or chickpea pasta. They work great in this recipe.
Flavor Profiles
Herbs can boost the taste of your dish. Adding thyme or oregano brings freshness. You might also toss in some fresh parsley for a pop of color. For more nutrition, consider adding vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli can add crunch and vitamins. Toss them in when you wilt the spinach.
Dietary Adjustments
Want a lighter dish? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half. This keeps it creamy but cuts some calories. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, use mushrooms instead of chicken. Mushrooms give a nice umami flavor. They pair well with the sun-dried tomatoes and cream. Enjoy your tasty variations!
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
To keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent air from making it soggy. Let the pasta cool down before sealing it in. This helps keep the flavors intact.
– Recommended storage containers:
– Glass containers with lids
– Plastic food storage containers
– Zip-top bags (remove air before sealing)
Reheating Tips
Reheating can be tricky. You want the dish warm without drying it out. Use low heat on the stove for the best results. Stir often to keep the sauce creamy.
– Best methods to reheat without drying out the dish:
– Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or cream while stirring.
– Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to trap steam.
– How to maintain sauce consistency when reheating:
– Add a little reserved pasta water or cream if needed.
– Stir well to blend the sauce with the pasta again.
FAQs
What does “Marry Me” Chicken mean?
“Marry Me” Chicken is a fun name for a dish that many people love. The name suggests that it is so tasty, it might make someone want to propose! The dish became popular on social media and in food blogs. People say it’s perfect for date nights or special meals. The creamy sauce, herbs, and chicken create a rich flavor that feels special.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep:
– Cook the chicken and sauce: You can cook the chicken and sauce a day before.
– Store separately: Keep the pasta and sauce in different containers. This helps keep the pasta from getting soggy.
– Reheat carefully: When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to keep it creamy.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
You can serve many sides with Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Here are some great options:
– Garlic bread: This is a classic choice and perfect for dipping in the sauce.
– Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and lightness.
– Roasted vegetables: Try serving with roasted broccoli or asparagus for extra flavor.
– Wine: A glass of white wine pairs well with the creamy dish, making it feel fancy.
These sides will complement the rich flavors of the pasta and make your meal even better!
In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta. We explored the key ingredients, detailed step-by-step cooking instructions, and shared helpful tips for perfect results. I also offered variations, storage advice, and common questions to enhance your cooking experience. Remember, cooking should be fun. Experiment with flavors, and enjoy every bite. This dish can impress anyone at your table. Now, get cooking and make this meal a memorable on
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh basil leaves
Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove from skillet and let rest.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the baby spinach and allow it to wilt, stirring occasionally.
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and add it back to the skillet. Stir in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, blending everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, romantic
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?