Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that combines comforting flavors and quick preparation, let me introduce you to my beloved Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This delightful recipe not only brings together tender chicken thighs and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce but also adds a touch of fresh spinach for some vibrant color. It’s a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!

The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its rich flavors and simple method. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s quickly become a favorite in my home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this pasta dish fits perfectly into your busy life.
• Flavorful Comfort: The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild yet tasty flavor, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce ahead of time, so dinner is ready to go when you are.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand or substitute easily to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this mouthwatering Marry Me Chicken Pasta. You’ll find that these simple, wholesome ingredients are easy to work with and create an amazing meal. Let’s take a look at what you need:

For the Chicken

• 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)

For the Pasta

• 12 oz farfalle pasta

For the Sauce

• 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

For Garnish

• Chopped fresh basil

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust ingredients or swap them out based on your preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts or even shrimp if that’s what you have available.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories without sacrificing too much creaminess.
• Change up the pasta: Try using gluten-free penne or whole wheat pasta for a different texture.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This step is crucial because it infuses the chicken with incredible flavor as it cooks. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your seasoned chicken. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Remember, undercooked pasta is ideal since it will finish cooking in the sauce later! Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add dried shallots, minced garlic, and onion; sauté until they become fragrant and translucent—this enhances their natural sweetness! Next, sprinkle in gluten-free flour and stir well to create a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth followed by heavy cream until smooth.

Step 4: Add Flavor Components

Stir in shredded parmesan cheese, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, diced spinach, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt into your creamy mixture. Allow everything to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so all those lovely flavors blend together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Finally! Add your cooked pasta into the sauce along with any juices from resting chicken thighs. Gently toss everything together until well coated—this is where magic happens! If needed, adjust seasoning before serving.

Now you’re ready to serve up delicious plates of Marry Me Chicken Pasta garnished with fresh basil! Enjoy this warm comfort food that promises smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creating a delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta is all about the details! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose the right chicken thighs: Opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs as they remain juicy and tender during cooking, making them perfect for this rich dish.
• Don’t skip the sun-dried tomato oil: Using oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes adds an extra layer of flavor to your sauce, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Cook pasta al dente: Make sure to cook the farfalle pasta just until it’s al dente. This ensures that it holds its shape and texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of salt and seasoning based on your personal preference. A little extra spice or herb can make a difference!
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps all the flavors meld together, creating a more cohesive taste experience.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Presenting your Marry Me Chicken Pasta beautifully can turn a simple dinner into a special occasion! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh basil: Sprinkling freshly chopped basil adds a pop of color and enhances the aromatic quality of the dish.
• Grated lemon zest: A light sprinkle of lemon zest provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce, brightening up each bite.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, garlic bread is a classic side that complements Italian dishes beautifully.
• Steamed broccoli: This vibrant green vegetable adds color and nutrients while providing a lovely crunch that balances the creaminess of the pasta.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast and rounds out your meal with fresh flavors.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots add depth to your meal and bring in additional textures and flavors.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re ready to create a memorable dining experience with your Marry Me Chicken Pasta! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only delightfully delicious, but it also makes for an excellent meal prep option! You can prepare this dish in advance and save time during the week, ensuring a quick and satisfying dinner whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Ensure you stir well before serving to redistribute the sauce.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the pasta cool completely.
• Place servings in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label and date your containers for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
• Stir frequently until heated through or microwave in short intervals, checking often.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Can I use different types of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle works wonderfully, you can substitute with any gluten-free pasta shape that you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so special?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is special because of its rich flavors that beautifully blend together. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce combined with tender chicken and spinach creates an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Can I prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta in advance?

Yes! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta as much as I do! The combination of creamy sauce and juicy chicken is bound to impress anyone who sits down at your table. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a romantic night in, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to experience this culinary love story!