Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table, then Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just the ticket! This pasta dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken thighs, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and fresh spinach, creating a meal that’s not only delicious but also incredibly comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe so special is how effortlessly it comes together—ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner date. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called Marry Me Chicken Pasta; the flavors truly marry into a delicious symphony that will leave everyone wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that impresses.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavor and colorful ingredients, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sauce in advance, making weeknight dinners even easier.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and spices creates a creamy sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Ingredients: With simple ingredients, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this amazing dish!

For the Chicken

• 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun dried tomatoes)

For the Pasta

• 12 oz farfalle pasta

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp dried shallots
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced onion
• 3 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded parmesan
• 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup diced spinach
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Garnish

• Chopped fresh basil

Variations

One of the great things about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how flexible it is! Feel free to personalize it based on your taste or what you have available.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, try using chicken breasts or even shrimp for a different twist.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Change up the pasta: Use any shape of gluten-free pasta or even whole wheat pasta if preferred.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to give your dish an extra kick!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This step infuses every bite with delicious flavor! Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook your farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water; it helps thicken your sauce later!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked your chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add dried shallots, minced garlic, and onion; sauté until fragrant and soft. Stir in gluten-free flour until combined—this gives your sauce that creamy texture we all love! Gradually whisk in chicken broth followed by heavy cream until smooth.

Step 4: Mix in Cheese and Veggies

Once your sauce has thickened slightly, add shredded parmesan cheese along with diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, diced spinach, extra Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice your rested chicken thighs into strips and return them to the skillet. Fold in your cooked farfalle pasta gently so that each piece gets coated in that luscious sauce! If needed, add reserved pasta water little by little until desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Serve Up!

Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Enjoy this wonderful Marry Me Chicken Pasta straight from the skillet or plate it up for an impressive presentation! Your loved ones are sure to be asking for seconds—and maybe even proposing!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate this dish to perfection!

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh chicken thighs and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes make a world of difference in flavor. They enhance the overall taste of your dish, making every bite more enjoyable.

• Don’t rush the cooking process: Allow the chicken to sear properly before flipping. This creates a delicious crust that locks in moisture and adds deeper flavor to your meal.

• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This way, you can still enjoy that creamy texture without it being too rich.

• Add veggies for extra nutrition: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms along with the spinach. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds vibrant color and texture to your pasta.

• Let it rest before serving: After cooking, let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Presenting Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be just as delightful as making it! Here’s how you can serve this delicious dish to impress family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the aromatic flavors of your dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adding extra cheese right before serving provides an additional layer of creaminess and savory goodness that complements the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate, making every bite more satisfying.
• Caesar salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the rich flavors of the pasta while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli is not only nutritious but also adds a lovely color contrast to your plate, making it visually appealing.
• Roasted asparagus: The earthy flavors of roasted asparagus pair well with the creamy pasta, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create an unforgettable dining experience centered around Marry Me Chicken Pasta! Enjoy every moment in the kitchen and at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors all week long without the stress. You can easily store leftovers or even make it ahead of time for those busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• For best flavor, try to consume within the first few days.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Stir frequently until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave; cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Marry Me Chicken Pasta that might help you out.

Can I use another type of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for farfalle, you can use any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

How do the flavors come together in Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, rich cream, and Italian seasoning creates a dreamy sauce that beautifully complements the chicken and pasta. The flavors truly marry together for a comforting dish!

What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Also, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for added flavor without dairy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta! It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that bring people together. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, I’m confident this recipe will become a favorite. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts!