Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Meet your new obsession: Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish takes juicy, seasoned chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked farfalle noodles, then tosses them together in a symphony of flavors you’ll crave after the very first bite. Whether you’re making dinner for someone special or just treating yourself, Marry Me Chicken Pasta promises comfort, flavor, and pure joy in every forkful. There’s a reason it’s called “marry me”—it’s simply irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the magic tricks of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something so impressive. Every component plays a key role, from the smoky paprika to the creamy cheese, balancing richness, freshness, and color throughout the dish.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These bring tenderness and more flavor than chicken breast, making every bite succulent.
• Smoked sweet paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Italian seasoning: Lends a medley of herbs, giving the dish an irresistible aroma and classic Italian flair.
• Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors in the chicken and sauce.
• Black pepper: Gives just enough kick to balance the rich sauce.
• Sun dried tomato oil (from the jar): Infuses the chicken and sauce with bold, tangy undertones.
• Farfalle pasta: The “bowtie” shape holds onto all the creamy sauce, making each bite extra satisfying. You can use gluten-free if needed.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a luxurious base flavor.
• Dried shallots: Brings sweetness and depth for a complex flavor.
• Minced garlic: Provides that unmistakable, addictive aroma and zing.
• Minced onion: Adds texture and a mild, foundational savoriness.
• Gluten free flour (like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1): Thickens the sauce without any gluten, keeping it silky smooth.
• Chicken broth: The backbone of the sauce, enhancing savory flavors and keeping things light.
• Heavy cream: Delivers a decadent texture and comforting creaminess throughout the dish.
• Shredded parmesan: Melts into the sauce, adding a bold, cheesy punch.
• Diced sun dried tomatoes: Bursts of sweet-tart flavor that really make this pasta shine.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor and vibrant color enhance the whole sauce.
• Diced spinach: A pop of green flavor and nutrients, keeping things fresh and beautiful.
• Italian seasoning, paprika & salt (for the sauce): More layers of flavor to round out the sauce.
• Chopped fresh basil (for garnish): Bright, peppery, and aromatic—it’s the finishing touch for Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by washing your chicken thighs and patting them totally dry with paper towels. This little step helps the flavorful seasoning blend—paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper—stick beautifully to the chicken. Generously coat the chicken all over, and you’ll notice the aroma starting right here!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat up a tablespoon of that incredible sun dried tomato oil over medium heat. Carefully lay in the chicken and sear it for about three minutes on each side, creating a golden, flavorful crust that locks in the juices and infuses every bite with smoky tomato richness.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Through

Lower the heat to medium-low, put a lid on the pan, and let the chicken thighs finish cooking for 6 to 10 minutes more. You’re aiming for perfectly tender chicken with an internal temp of 165 degrees, which keeps it safe and juicy. Set the chicken aside when it’s done so it can cool before slicing.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, salt it generously, and cook your farfalle pasta until it’s al dente—tender with a little bite. Drain and set aside to be reunited with the sauce soon.

Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan you used for the chicken, melt some butter and toss in the dried shallots, garlic, minced onion, diced sun dried tomatoes, and rich tomato paste. Add the extra Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt, letting the ingredients get fragrant and slightly caramelized over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes. Then sprinkle in the gluten free flour and combine.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, followed by heavy cream and diced spinach. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts, stirring gently. Sprinkle in the shredded parmesan cheese, making the whole mixture irresistibly smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Finish and Combine

Dice the now-cooled chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Add them and the drained pasta right into the sauce. Stir everything together gently so all the chicken and pasta are coated in the velvety sauce. Top with a flurry of chopped fresh basil, and you have a stunning pan of Marry Me Chicken Pasta ready to impress.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A big sprinkle of chopped fresh basil over the finished dish is absolute magic: it lifts up the creamy flavors, adds color, and makes your kitchen smell like a little Italian trattoria. Go extra fancy with a dusting of parmesan or even a scatter of pine nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a bright mixed green salad or simple balsamic-roasted veggies for contrast. Homemade garlic bread or herby focaccia perfectly sops up every drop of that dreamy sauce, making every bite extra memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the pasta into shallow bowls to showcase the colorful chicken and sun dried tomatoes, or pile it high onto a family-style platter for a crowd. For an intimate dinner, serve in individual ramekins and finish with a basil leaf and a swirl of extra cream for restaurant vibes at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta, simply pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors only intensify overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch downright craveable. It’s best eaten within 3 days for freshness.

Freezing

This pasta actually freezes quite well. Place completely cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce keeps its creamy magic.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce silky. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between, but stovetop yields the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be extra careful to avoid overcooking, so your chicken stays juicy.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten free?

Yes, just use a gluten free flour blend for the sauce and gluten free pasta (such as a rice or corn-based farfalle). It turns out just as creamy and delicious as the original!

What if I don’t have sun dried tomato oil?

You can use regular olive oil in a pinch, but the sun dried tomato oil adds a special burst of flavor. For extra depth, toss in a few chopped sun dried tomatoes right at the start.

Can I make this pasta ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding parmesan and basil, cool and refrigerate. Gently reheat with a splash of broth, then add the cheese and basil for fresh-off-the-stove flavor.

Is there a way to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta vegetarian?

You can! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted chickpeas, or even vegan chicken substitutes. Use vegetable broth, and you’ll have a plant-based dish full of flavor and comfort.

Final Thoughts

If you need a showstopping dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly lives up to its heart-stealing name. Gather your favorite people, pour a glass of something delicious, and invite everyone to dig in—you might just find this recipe becomes your own signature dish.

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