This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring pan-seared chicken in a rich Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. Tossed with penne pasta, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal that will leave everyone wanting more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and indulgent – A luscious Parmesan cream sauce coats every bite.
- Restaurant-quality at home – This dish looks and tastes gourmet but is easy to make.
- Balanced flavors – Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness, while garlic and red onions bring a savory kick.
- One-pan convenience – Cook everything in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken & Seasoning:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 14 oz penne pasta
- Water for boiling
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Sear the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, season the cubed chicken with sea salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 8 minutes, flipping until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt.
- Add red onions and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Deglaze & Build the Sauce:
- Pour in white wine and chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release browned bits.
- Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, then pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add Spinach & Combine Everything:
- Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Serve & Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
Variations
- Make it spicy – Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning.
- Add more veggies – Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers add extra flavor.
- Swap the protein – Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Lighter version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store separately and combine everything before serving.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne works great, but you can also use rigatoni, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta.
Can I make this without wine?
Absolutely! Just substitute with extra chicken broth.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and swap flour-thickened sauces for cornstarch if needed.
How can I make this dish even creamier?
For an extra indulgent texture, add a spoonful of cream cheese or extra Parmesan to the sauce.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish packed with flavor. The rich Parmesan sauce, juicy chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes make it irresistible! Whether for date night, meal prep, or a cozy dinner, this one-pan pasta is sure to impress. Try it today and fall in love with every bite!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish with pan-seared chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Tossed with penne pasta, this restaurant-quality meal is perfect for date nights, weeknight dinners, or special occasions. Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Seasoning:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 14 oz penne pasta
- Water for boiling
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Season & Sear the Chicken:
- Toss cubed chicken with salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 8 minutes, flipping until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics:
- Melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add red onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Deglaze & Build the Sauce:
- Pour in white wine and chicken stock, scraping the pan to release browned bits.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
-
Add Spinach & Combine Everything:
- Stir in baby spinach until wilted.
- Return the chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
-
Serve & Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- More Veggies: Try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
