If you are searching for a comforting yet impressive dish that will truly wow your taste buds, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, garlicky sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all tangled with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish delivers vibrant flavors, luscious textures, and a beautiful balance of savory and slightly tangy notes that make it feel like a special occasion on any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s the juicy chicken for protein, the creamy sauce to tie everything together, or the fresh spinach adding a pop of color and nutrition. Here’s what you’ll need to make this spectacular meal.
- 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts): Choose fresh chicken breasts for tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors throughout the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity undertone and prevents the chicken from sticking while searing.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Helps create a rich and silky sauce base with a hint of indulgence.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and depth, making it irresistible.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides creaminess and helps marry all the flavors into a luscious sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Brings a chewy texture and a tangy punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Introduces aromatic, herbal notes that brighten the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthiness to complement the other herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for those who love a bit of heat to spice things up.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a salty, nutty richness.
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- 3 cups fresh spinach: Adds bright color, freshness, and a healthy bite that balances the richness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook each side until beautifully golden and thoroughly cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. This step is key because a well-seared chicken adds flavor and texture that’s essential to the dish’s success. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest before slicing.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to blend with the flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, which should take about a minute—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring this blend to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly over about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. This sauce is the heart of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe and will impress you with its creamy texture and rich, layered taste.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is reducing, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a little bite to it, which helps it hold up perfectly when tossed in the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the next step.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the cheese to melt and the spinach to wilt gently in the warm sauce. This step creates a beautifully creamy mixture that envelops the chicken and adds a boost of color and nutrients.
Step 5: Mix with Pasta
Finally, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, chicken, and spinach. Toss everything with care, making sure every strand or piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce and that the chicken and spinach are evenly distributed. This melding of all components brings the wonderful flavors of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe together in perfect harmony.
Step 6: Serve
Serve this dish hot for the ultimate comfort experience. The creamy sauce clinging to tender chicken and fresh spinach, combined with perfectly cooked pasta, makes it hard to resist. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving family dinners or impressing friends.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an extra burst of salty, nutty flavor. Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley make excellent green garnishes that add a lovely aroma and vibrant color contrast. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also take this dish over the top.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta dish is rich and creamy, pairing it with lighter sides is a great idea. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness, while roasted or steamed vegetables add a healthy balance. Garlic bread or warm focaccia will complement the flavors wonderfully and help soak up any extra sauce lingering on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe in shallow bowls, showcasing the vibrant spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. You can also twirl portions of pasta with chicken strips on a large serving platter for a family-style meal that encourages sharing. For something fancy, garnish each plate with edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to introduce a subtle crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this delightful pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish has cooled to room temperature before sealing to keep the texture of the spinach and chicken intact. When stored properly, the flavors may become even more melded and delicious the next day!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe at a later time, freezing is possible but requires a bit of care. Freeze the pasta separately from the chicken and sauce if you can, or use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Remember that spinach can become a little watery after freezing, so you might want to add fresh spinach when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can dry out the chicken and alter the creamy sauce’s texture. Slow and steady warming brings your dish back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne work wonderfully, you can use your favorite pasta shape such as rigatoni, linguine, or even rotini. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to maintain a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini all pair nicely with the flavors in this recipe. Add them to the sauce along with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and nutrition.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick of heat that enhances the other flavors rather than overpowering them. If you prefer milder food, simply leave them out, and the dish remains delicious.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio works beautifully with this creamy and herbaceous dish. They provide a refreshing contrast without overpowering the delicate flavors of the chicken and spinach.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe is a true showstopper that combines ease and elegance in one delicious plate. Whether you are cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself to a little kitchen magic, it delivers on comfort, flavor, and visual appeal. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe box—you won’t regret it!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with tender pasta and fresh spinach. A perfect weeknight dinner that combines comforting textures and vibrant flavors in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Greens
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: While sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Return chicken strips to skillet with the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
- Mix with Pasta: Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with sauce and combine with chicken and spinach.
- Serve: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add richer flavor; if using dry, rehydrate first.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted for desired heat level.
- Fresh spinach is preferred, but baby spinach or kale can be used as substitutes.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid breaking the sauce.
