Print

The Ultimate Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Close-up of creamy marry me chicken pasta featuring fettuccine, chunks of chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Prepare this rich, creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe provides a restaurant-style comfort food experience that is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, substitute with chicken broth)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. If using, pour in the white wine (or broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and stir until the spinach wilts into the sauce, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a one-pot version, cook the pasta directly in the broth and cream mixture, adding more liquid as needed until the pasta is tender.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with reserved liquid from the sun-dried tomato jar (ensure it is not overly salty).
  • You can add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/marry-me-chicken-pasta/