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
Scale
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.
