Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dinner that combines creamy richness and bold flavors, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your golden ticket. This dish features juicy chicken thighs and perfectly cooked farfalle pasta, all tossed in a luxurious sauce bursting with sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan. It’s hearty enough for family yet elegant enough for guests, making it the kind of recipe that can turn an ordinary night into a celebration. Once you try Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll realize why everyone falls head over heels for it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly counts! They work in harmony to build big flavor and a gorgeous plate, while being streamlined enough to make prep easy and approachable for cooks of any level.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay extra juicy and flavorful in the sauce, better than chicken breast for this recipe.
• Smoked sweet paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that deepens every bite.
• Italian seasoning: Adds classic herb flavors that make the dish deliciously aromatic.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors in the dish.
• Sun dried tomato oil: Using the oil from your sun dried tomato jar infuses the chicken with tangy, savory flavor.
• Farfalle pasta: The bow-tie shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly for every forkful.
• Butter: Makes the sauce extra rich and helps sauté the aromatics.
• Dried shallots: A little sweet, a little sharp, they add depth to the base of the sauce.
• Minced garlic: Brings that classic, craveable punch every good pasta needs.
• Minced onion: Gets everything started right with irresistible savory flavor.
• Gluten free flour (Bob’s Red Mill 1:1): Thickens the sauce while making the recipe totally crowd-friendly.
• Chicken broth: Adds body and savory flavor to the creamy sauce without making it too heavy.
• Heavy cream: For that ultra-luxurious, velvety sauce texture.
• Shredded parmesan: Salty, nutty, and melts perfectly for cheesy goodness.
• Diced sun dried tomatoes: Each bite pops with tangy, bright flavor.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and brings lovely color.
• Diced spinach: For a burst of color and a healthy, earthy note in the creamy sauce.
• Fresh basil (for garnish): Brings freshness that finishes the dish beautifully.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Chicken

Start by washing your chicken thighs and patting them dry—this helps the seasoning stick and the chicken brown nicely. In a bowl, toss the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until every piece is well coated. Heat up that gorgeous sun dried tomato oil in a big skillet over medium heat, and give your chicken a good sear for 3 minutes per side. This quick sear locks in the juices and starts building that deep flavor foundation that makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so irresistible.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Through

After searing, lower the heat a bit and put a lid on your skillet. Let the chicken thighs cook gently for 6 to 10 more minutes. You want them cooked perfectly to 165 degrees inside. This step keeps the chicken juicy and tender while infusing it with all those savory seasonings. Once done, set the cooked chicken aside to cool while you make the pasta and sauce.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While your chicken is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta just until al dente. This gives the pasta the perfect texture so it catches every bit of that creamy sauce later. Don’t forget to drain and set aside when done!

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, melt the butter in your skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté the dried shallots, minced onion, minced garlic, diced sun dried tomatoes, and tomato paste along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and smoked paprika you set aside for the pasta. Let everything get fragrant for a couple minutes—your kitchen should smell amazing right about now. Sprinkle in your gluten free flour and stir just until it’s mixed in; this is going to help thicken the sauce to that dreamy, silky consistency.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and fold in the diced spinach. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens to a creamy, luscious state and the spinach wilts into gorgeous green ribbons. Stir in a generous helping of parmesan until the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky smooth—this is where Marry Me Chicken Pasta gets its signature richness.

Step 6: Finish and Combine Everything

While your sauce simmers, cut your rested chicken into generous bite-sized pieces. Return the diced chicken and cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet, and stir gently so everything is coated in sauce but the texture of the chicken and pasta stays perfect. Top it off with a shower of chopped fresh basil and a touch more parmesan if you’re feeling extra. Dish up and enjoy every twirl and bite!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil is non-negotiable for both color and fragrance. If you want an extra pop, add more parmesan shavings and a handful of sun dried tomato pieces right before serving. Even a crack of fresh black pepper can make each plate look chef-inspired and full of vibrant flavor.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta is fabulous alongside a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or simply dressed arugula. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes the most of every drop of sauce, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add balance and extra nutrition to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta dinner-party worthy, twirl the pasta onto plates with tongs and top with artfully arranged chicken pieces, extra sun dried tomatoes, and a scatter of basil. For a cozy family dinner, serve it from a big, shallow bowl at the table so everyone can help themselves—just remember to keep extra parmesan close at hand!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors tend to get even better by the next day, making it a lunch you’ll look forward to. Try to eat leftovers within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the pasta and sauce into freezer-safe containers. The creamy sauce can separate slightly when frozen, but a gentle reheat brings it back. Freeze for up to one month so you can have a fabulous dinner ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

Warm your leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce needs reviving. Microwave reheating works too—just use a lower setting and give it a stir halfway through to maintain that creamy, luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier, chicken breasts work well if you prefer white meat—just be careful not to overcook them so they stay tender in your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy free?

You can swap the butter, cream, and parmesan for your favorite non-dairy alternatives. Look for a good melting vegan cheese and plant-based cream to keep the sauce lush.

Can I substitute another pasta shape?

Yes, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if you’d like. Just choose a shape that holds onto the sauce for the most satisfying bites.

How spicy is this recipe?

The smoked sweet paprika mostly brings warmth, not heat. If you crave a kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the aromatics or sprinkle a little on top before serving.

What’s the best way to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Prep the chicken, make the sauce, and cook the pasta separately, then store them. Gently reheat the sauce, toss in the pasta and chicken just before serving, and finish with the basil and parmesan for a freshly made taste.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll understand why it turns dinner into a special event—every time. The combination of creamy, herby, and tangy flavors will win over even the toughest critics at your table. Don’t wait for a fancy occasion—try Marry Me Chicken Pasta soon, and let your kitchen be filled with love and incredible aromas!

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