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If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s creamy, bursting with savory sunshine from sun dried tomatoes, and packed with tender, flavorful chicken all wrapped up with perfectly al dente farfalle. This recipe balances bold spices, lush Parmesan creaminess, and the fresh pop of spinach and basil, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe brings comfort and elegance in one beautiful bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity meeting sophistication. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the smoky paprika seasoning the chicken to the creamy Parmesan that brings everything together. The sun dried tomato oil and tomato paste add that deep, rich flavor, while fresh spinach gives a vibrant color and fresh note that’s just perfect.
- 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs: Chosen for their tenderness and flavor, perfect for a juicy, satisfying protein.
- 3/4 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth that coats the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance every flavor component.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun dried tomatoes): Infuses the chicken with a rich, tangy essence while searing.
- 12 oz farfalle pasta: Bowtie pasta that holds sauce perfectly and adds a fun texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious base for sautéing aromatics and building flavor.
- 2 tablespoons dried shallots: Offer a subtle sweetness and delicate onion flavor.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Essential for that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma.
- 1 tablespoon minced onion: Complements garlic to build a savory foundation.
- 3 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour: Thickens the sauce smoothly without any grainy texture.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory liquid richness while keeping the sauce light and flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The silky heart of the sauce brings indulgent creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding umami and a touch of nuttiness.
- 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes: Pack a concentrated burst of sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato essence for deeper, richer sauce notes.
- 1 cup diced spinach: Adds a fresh, healthy pop of color and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Sprinkled again for a final herbal flourish in the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika: A gentle dusting for added smoky depth in the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balanced with the other seasonings to bring everything together.
- Chopped fresh basil: The finishing touch that adds bright freshness and invites you to dive in.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by washing and patting dry your chicken thighs. Evenly coat them with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper for that irresistible seasoning layer. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the sun dried tomato oil—you’ll immediately start to smell the magic. Sear the chicken about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the juices run clear and the outside is perfectly golden. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest—this lets those flavors settle and keeps the chicken juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While your chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the farfalle pasta and cook it until just al dente, usually about 10 to 12 minutes depending on the package. Drain the pasta and set it aside—it will soon soak up the luscious sauce you’ll whisk up next.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet you cooked your chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion to the butter. Sauté them gently for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re softened and release their fragrant aroma, building the savory backbone of your sauce. It’s this step where the flavor layers really start coming together.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the gluten free flour over the softened aromatics and stir constantly to form a roux—this will thicken your sauce without clumps. Cook it for about 1 to 2 minutes; you want it just cooked through but not browned. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, which should only take a few minutes—it’s starting to look like pure comfort in a skillet!
Step 5: Add Flavorings and Veggies
Now the fun part: stir in the shredded Parmesan, diced sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, diced spinach, Italian seasoning, smoked sweet paprika, and salt. Continue stirring until the Parmesan melts entirely and the spinach wilts into the sauce. The texture becomes creamy and luxurious, with gorgeous pops of color and bursts of savory, slightly smoky flavor.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Slice your beautifully seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet along with the cooked farfalle pasta. Toss gently to coat every piece of chicken and pasta with the luscious sauce. Allow everything to heat through for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly, and the dish is piping hot.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Plate your creation and generously sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a final fragrant flourish. Serve it immediately to enjoy it at its creamiest, freshest best.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh basil isn’t just pretty—it brightens the dish with herbal notes and a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce. For added indulgence, a little extra Parmesan on top never hurts. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes finishes the plate with a playful kick.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is rich and flavorful, serve it alongside something light and fresh like a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed green beans or asparagus also make great partners; their slight crunch and vibrant color balance the creamy pasta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful toppings. For a dinner party, consider plating the pasta neatly with the chicken slices artfully arranged on top. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can add unexpected texture and a glossy finish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors will deepen, but be sure to reheat gently to keep the cream sauce silky and the chicken tender.
Freezing
You can freeze the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. To regain that creamy texture, add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you do, stir frequently and add a bit of liquid to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine, but remember they can dry out faster than thighs, so watch your cooking time closely to keep them juicy and tender.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Using Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour ensures the sauce is thickened without gluten, making this dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Can I substitute another type of pasta?
Definitely. While farfalle works beautifully to hold the sauce, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni would also be great choices. Just adjust cooking times to the pasta’s suggestions.
What can I do if I don’t have sun dried tomato oil?
If you don’t have the oil from your jar of sun dried tomatoes, substitute with olive oil and add extra diced sun dried tomatoes to boost the flavor. It won’t be exactly the same but will still be delicious!
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
This recipe leans on smoky and savory flavors rather than heat. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper either while cooking or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together with straightforward ingredients and steps. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a dish to impress someone you care about, this pasta delivers on flavor, comfort, and heart. So grab your skillet and make some magic happen—you won’t regret it!
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Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken thighs and farfalle pasta tossed in a rich sauce made with sun dried tomato oil, garlic, parmesan, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal in just 25 minutes, this recipe blends Italian seasonings with a gluten-free twist for an irresistible dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun dried tomatoes)
Pasta
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon dried shallots
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 3 tablespoon Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup diced spinach
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs thoroughly. Coat them evenly with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the sun dried tomato oil. Sear the chicken in the skillet until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side, until juices run clear. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the gluten free flour over the sautéed aromatics, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a light simmer and let thicken for a few minutes.
- Add Flavorings and Veggies: Stir in shredded parmesan, diced sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, diced spinach, Italian seasoning, smoked sweet paprika, and salt. Continue to stir until the parmesan melts and the spinach wilts, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ensure chicken thighs are cooked fully through; cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.
- Use gluten-free flour as specified to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Adjust seasoning like salt and paprika according to taste preference.
- Sun dried tomato oil adds a unique flavor; if unavailable, substitute with olive oil but expect a milder taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, noting it may affect creaminess.
- Fresh basil garnish adds aroma and freshness; can be substituted with parsley if needed.
