If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together with minimal fuss, you’re going to LOVE this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time – tender chicken pieces swimming in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, paired with perfectly cooked pasta all done in just one pot. It s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make on a busy weeknight.
When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how everything melded together so beautifully without needing to dirty multiple pans or spend ages stirring. You ll find that the simplicity of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe means fewer dishes to clean up and more time to relax at the table with family or friends. Plus, the flavors are so deep and comforting, it s quickly become one of those meals I rely on when I want dinner to impress without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot wonder: Everything cooks together saving you time and dishwashing hassle.
- Rich, creamy flavor: The double cream and Parmesan make the sauce silky and indulgent.
- Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap pasta shapes or add your favorite veggies.
- Family favorite: My whole family goes crazy for this dish and it s great for meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in harmony to create a luscious, hearty pasta dish bursting with flavor. A note on shopping: picking quality chicken breasts and good Parmesan really elevates the final result.
- Boneless & skinless chicken breast: Choose fresh breasts for tender, juicy pieces that cook evenly.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor, or use oil from your sun-dried tomato jar for an extra punch.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic crushed just right to mellow the harshness but keep that lovely aroma.
- Sun dried tomatoes: Finely chopped so they blend smoothly into the sauce, giving a sweet tangy undertone.
- Oregano: Adds an earthy warmth that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Paprika: Smoky or sweet, it boosts the flavor complexity in this dish.
- Dried pasta: I prefer something like penne or rigatoni, but feel free to use your favorite shape.
- Chicken stock: Homemade or store-bought works just fine; it infuses the pasta while it cooks.
- Double cream: Also known as heavy cream in the US, it makes the sauce luxuriously rich.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated for that nutty, salty kick that ties the whole dish together.
- Spinach: Fresh leaves that wilt beautifully into the sauce for added color and nutrition.
- Freshly ground black pepper: To taste, adding subtle heat and flavor depth.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe is how flexible it is – you can tweak it to suit what you re craving or what you have in your fridge. Feel free to make it your own!
- Vegetarian version: Try swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies; the sauce is so good it shines either way.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the garlic for a little heat that wakes up the dish.
- Cheese swap: For a sharper flavor, use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan – I discovered this trick at a friend s dinner party and loved the boldness it added.
- Gluten-free pasta: Gluten-free pasta cooks a little differently, so watch it closely, but this recipe works beautifully with those substitutes.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe
Step 1: Sear the chicken to build flavor
Heat your olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the bite-sized chicken pieces and a good sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to see them starting to color on all sides without drying out – this step locks in delicious flavors that make the dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Layer in the aromatics and spices
Reduce your heat to low and toss in the crushed garlic, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir this mixture around for 3 to 5 minutes.until the garlic softens and the spices bloom. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing – that s your signal you re on the right track!
Step 3: Cook the pasta right in the sauce
Next, add your dried pasta and chicken stock to the pan, giving everything a good stir so the pasta is submerged. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the pasta – you want it tender but still with a little bite (al dente). If it looks like it needs more liquid before fully cooking, just add a splash of boiling water. This step is the magic that lets all the flavors marry beautifully together.
Step 4: Finish with cream, spinach, and cheese
Turn the heat to the lowest setting, add the fresh spinach and double cream, then stir well for 1 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream is warmed through. Always double-check your chicken is cooked all the way through before moving on – safety first! Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan, let it melt into the sauce for that perfect nutty finish, and season with extra salt and pepper if you need it.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe
- Use high-quality chicken: I ve found that fresh chicken breasts make a huge difference for tender results.
- Sun-dried tomato oil swap: Try using some of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar for cooking to pack even more flavor into the dish.
- Keep an eye on the pasta: One pot pasta cooking times vary by brand and shape, so taste test often and add liquid if needed.
- Don t rush the finishing touch: Let the spinach wilt fully and the cheese melt to get that perfect creamy texture and vibrant color.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe
Garnishes
I love to top this pasta with a little extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of green and freshness. A twist of lemon zest over the top really brightens it up and balances the richness of the cream.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, adding some crisp texture to the meal. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf also can t be beaten as a side – I always keep some baguette nearby to soak up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake the finished pasta in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a bubbly crust. Serving it in individual rustic bowls with a scattered herb garnish gives it that cozy, restaurant-style feel right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and usually eat them within 2-3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
I ve frozen this dish before and it reheats pretty well, though the texture of the pasta softens a bit after freezing. To keep things tasty, freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce s creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid sticking, and you ll have a comforting dinner ready in minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni works great, feel free to substitute with fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and keep an eye on the liquid level to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
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What can I substitute for double cream in this recipe?
If you don t have double cream, heavy cream is a perfect substitute. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half combined with a little butter, but it won t have quite the same richness.
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How do I know when the chicken is cooked through in this one pot recipe?
The chicken pieces should be opaque inside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Since they re cut bite-sized, they cook quickly; if you see any pink inside when cutting, simply cook a little longer over low heat.
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Can I prepare this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and chop your garlic and sun-dried tomatoes ahead to save time, but I recommend cooking and assembling the dish fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it brings together simplicity and indulgence in one beautiful, cozy meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe never fails to impress without demanding hours of work. I can t recommend it enough – you ll enjoy how easy it is, and I promise, everyone will be asking for seconds!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breast, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce all cooked together with pasta and spinach for a hearty, comforting dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 650 g (1.4 lb) Boneless & skinless chicken breast, About 4 breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 170 g (6 oz) Sun dried tomatoes, drained and very finely chopped
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 250 g (9 oz) Dried pasta
- 650 ml (2.75 cups) Chicken stock
- 150 ml (0.75 cups) Double cream (heavy cream)
- 50 g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 120 g (4 oz) Spinach
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces along with a good sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides begin to brown.
- Add flavorings: Lower the heat and stir in the crushed garlic, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic softens and the mixture is fragrant.
- Cook pasta with stock: Add the dried pasta and chicken stock to the pan. Stir well to combine everything, then cover with a lid. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with spinach and cream: Reduce heat to the lowest setting. Add the spinach and double cream, stirring well. Cook for 1 to 3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the cream is warmed through. Confirm the chicken is fully cooked and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve immediately for a rich and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Oil: Olive oil is recommended, but using some of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar adds extra flavor.
- Cooking Time Variability: Pasta cooking times may vary depending on heat and pasta shape. Monitor closely and add a splash of boiling water if needed to finish cooking.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Finely chopping them helps them blend into the sauce and enhances flavor without an overwhelming texture.
- Double Cream: Known as heavy cream in the US.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 809 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 709 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg