Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’ve been dreaming of a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely must try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This recipe balances tender chicken thighs seasoned with smoky paprika and Italian herbs, all nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce bursting with sun dried tomatoes and spinach. The farfalle pasta perfectly catches every bite of the luscious sauce, creating a flavor-packed meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Trust me, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in delivering the rich flavor and perfect texture of the dish. From the smoky paprika on the chicken to the creamy parmesan in the sauce, every element works together to create that unforgettable taste.
- 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing all the delicious seasonings.
- 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika: Adds a beautiful smoky depth to the chicken.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes that complement the creamy sauce.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: For just the right touch of mild heat.
- 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil: For that irresistible tomato essence when searing the chicken.
- 12 oz farfalle pasta: Bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps soften shallots and garlic.
- 2 tbsp dried shallots: Provides a delicate sweetness to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp minced garlic: Infuses the dish with savory aroma and depth.
- 1 tbsp minced onion: Adds a subtle layer of sweetness.
- 3 tbsp gluten-free flour: Helps thicken the sauce, creating that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory body and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- 1 cup shredded parmesan: For a sharp, cheesy finish that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes: Bursts of tangy sweetness throughout the pasta.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 cup diced spinach: Adds freshness and vibrant color.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (additional): Enhances the sauce’s herbaceous notes.
- 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika (additional): Balances the sauce with a gentle smoky hint.
- 1/2 tsp salt (additional): Fine-tunes the seasoning of the sauce.
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish): A fresh, fragrant touch to finish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by washing your chicken thighs and patting them dry; this helps the seasoning stick and the chicken to sear beautifully. In a bowl, coat the chicken with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning mix will infuse the meat with warm, smoky, and aromatic flavors that make the dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Sear and Cook the Chicken
Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3 minutes on each side, developing a lovely golden crust. Then, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the chicken cook through for 6 to 10 minutes, until its internal temperature is a safe 165 degrees. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool, so it can be diced later without falling apart.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your chicken is cooking, boil the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This gives it just the right bite to carry the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the dried shallots, minced garlic, minced onion, diced sun dried tomatoes, and tomato paste along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and smoked paprika. Sauté for about 2 minutes until everything becomes fragrant, layering that gorgeous aroma. Then stir in the gluten-free flour; this helps create the thick, creamy consistency you want.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Sauce
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer gently until it thickens and the spinach wilts to a vibrant green. Finally, stir in the shredded parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce, giving it that signature creamy tang that’s essential to Marry Me Chicken Pasta. While the sauce thickens, dice the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Add the diced chicken and the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated with the luscious sauce. This step makes the whole dish vibrant and inviting, with every ingredient working in harmony.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil is the perfect finishing touch. It adds a burst of color and a hint of peppery freshness that balances the richness of the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of extra parmesan if you’re in a cheesy mood.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and full-flavored, so lighter sides work best. A simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables complements the meal without overpowering it. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can also be amazing for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls for an elegant touch, and drizzle a little extra sun dried tomato oil around the edges for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For a fun twist, you can garnish with a few whole sun dried tomatoes or even a lemon wedge to brighten things up just before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Marry Me Chicken Pasta will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy weekday lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze the cooked chicken, sauce, and pasta separately if possible. This prevents the pasta from getting too soft when reheated. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta slowly on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the silky texture of the sauce. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the best flavor and texture—gentle stovetop heating always wins here.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but thighs tend to stay juicier and offer more flavor, especially in this recipe’s creamy sauce.
What pasta works best in this recipe?
Farfalle is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, but penne or rigatoni can be great substitutes if you prefer.
Is there a vegetarian version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Yes! Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep that rich, satisfying flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese to mimic parmesan.
How spicy is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
It’s mild with a pleasant smoky kick from the paprika, so it’s suitable even if you don’t usually like spicy food.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet is simple enough to make any night of the week. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavors that dance on your palate. If you want to wow your family or treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is a no-brainer. Trust me, once you try making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it might just become your new favorite meal to share and savor.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken thighs in a rich sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce, served over perfectly cooked farfalle pasta. This hearty dish combines Italian herbs and smoky paprika for a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken Seasoning
- 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)
Pasta
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash and Season Chicken: Wash the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, coat the chicken with 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper evenly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Cook Chicken: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and cook the chicken thighs for 6 to 10 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, boil 12 oz of farfalle pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat. Add 2 tbsp dried shallots, 1 tbsp minced onion, 2 tbsp minced garlic, 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes, and 2 tbsp tomato paste along with 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Stir in 3 tbsp gluten free flour until combined well with the sautéed ingredients.
- Add Liquids and Spinach: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Add 1 cup diced spinach and cook until the sauce thickens and spinach wilts.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Dice Chicken: Dice the cooled chicken into bite size pieces while the sauce is cooking.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the diced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Gently stir to combine and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Use gluten free flour to keep this recipe gluten free.
- You can substitute farfalle with your favorite pasta shape.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and paprika, depending on preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gluten free chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun dried tomato pasta, Italian chicken pasta
