The Irresistible “Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach” Recipe

Crispy chicken bathed in a creamy marry me chicken pasta sauce promises pure culinary magic.

Herbs and sun-dried tomatoes dance through each bite with vibrant Mediterranean flair.

Delicate spinach leaves weave unexpected freshness into this romantic dish.

Parmesan cheese melts luxuriously, creating an irresistible texture that whispers comfort.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that feels like a passionate embrace.

Succulent chicken meets silky pasta in a recipe guaranteed to spark joy.

Let’s uncover the secret to making everyone fall head over heels for this incredible meal.

Ingredients to Gather for Chicken Pasta with Spinach

• Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich centerpiece of the dish.
• Pasta: Hearty base that absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition.

• Heavy Cream, Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Creates rich and velvety sauce texture.

• Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth and complex seasoning profile.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Help with cooking and sauce consistency.

Cooking Chicken Pasta with Spinach Just Right

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Select plump chicken breasts and generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan and cook until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.

Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a clean plate.

Step 2: Craft Luxurious Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes silky and fragrant.

Add minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.

Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops rich, complex flavors.

Step 3: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until perfectly al dente.

Drain pasta carefully, reserving a small amount of cooking water if needed for sauce consistency.

Step 4: Transform Sauce with Protein and Greens

Slice cooked chicken into elegant strips.

Return chicken to the simmering sauce.

Introduce grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach leaves.

Stir gently until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, vibrant mixture.

Step 5: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing enthusiastically to ensure every strand is beautifully coated with the luxurious sauce.

Distribute chicken and spinach evenly throughout the dish.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top for an extra touch of elegance.

Serve immediately while hot and incredibly inviting.

Quick Tips for Chicken Pasta with Spinach

• Cut the chicken breasts against the grain to ensure tender, juicy pieces that melt in your mouth and maintain the perfect texture.
• Control the heat by adding red pepper flakes gradually, tasting as you go to match your personal spice preference without overwhelming the dish.
• Add spinach at the very last moment and cook just until it starts to wilt, preserving its bright green color and maintaining a fresh, crisp texture.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining, which can help create a smoother sauce and help ingredients cling better if the mixture seems too dry.
• Grate Parmesan cheese freshly and add it off the direct heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce integration.

Keeping Chicken Pasta with Spinach Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate chicken and sauce from pasta to maintain better texture.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking pasta, heat until steaming and ingredients are evenly warmed.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Pasta with Spinach

• Pair Creamy Richness with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the pasta's heavy cream sauce, balancing its richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Complement Herb-Infused Flavors with Light Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and contrast the dish's creamy, bold flavors, providing a peppery and tangy counterpoint.
• Enhance Protein with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare roasted asparagus or broccolini with garlic and olive oil to add a nutritious, slightly charred vegetable element that echoes the sun-dried tomato's intensity in the pasta.
• Highlight Parmesan with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce, allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the creamy, herb-infused liquid.

Variations on Chicken Pasta with Spinach You’ll Love

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and choose a dairy-free butter alternative for a creamy sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with pan-seared tofu or roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the rich, creamy sauce and herbs for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash strands, keeping the flavorful sauce and protein elements intact for a lighter meal.

FAQs

• What makes the sauce creamy and rich?

The sauce gets its creamy texture from a combination of heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients create a luxurious, velvety base that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, tangy flavor that’s key to this dish. Fresh tomatoes won’t give the same depth of flavor, so it’s best to stick with sun-dried tomatoes for the authentic Marry Me Chicken Pasta taste.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, which can add a mild heat. If you prefer a non-spicy version, simply omit the red pepper flakes. The other herbs and ingredients will still provide plenty of flavor.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white (not pink) throughout when cut open.

What’s So Special About Chicken Pasta with Spinach

• Create a romantic dinner that's guaranteed to win hearts with this irresistibly creamy and flavorful pasta dish.
• Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Packed with protein from chicken, greens from spinach, and a creamy sauce that satisfies without feeling heavy.

Marry me Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy marry me chicken pasta weaves Italian-inspired magic into a quick weeknight dinner that promises culinary romance. Succulent chicken nestled among tender spinach and rich sauce guarantees you’ll fall head over heels for this irresistible meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Main Sauce Components:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta and Greens:

• 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
• 3 cups fresh spinach

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by seasoning thoroughly with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, cooking chicken breasts until golden and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, reserving skillet for sauce preparation.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter, adding minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic.
5. Pour heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes into skillet, creating a rich sauce.
6. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes, stirring periodically until slightly thickened.
7. Simultaneously, cook pasta in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
8. Slice cooked chicken into uniform strips and return to simmering sauce.
9. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach, cooking until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely.
10. Gently fold pasta into sauce, ensuring every strand is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
11. Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh basil for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor absorption.
• Allow sauce to simmer gently without boiling to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Swap chicken with firm tofu, grilled portobello mushrooms, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Use gluten-free pasta and verify that all ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 760
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg