Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} recipe because it’s like a delicious, fuss-free hug in a bowl. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the sun-dried tomatoes and paprika bring such a cozy, flavorful punch without the need for too many pots or complicated steps. You’ll find that this recipe works wonders on busy weeknights or when you want to impress someone special without spending hours in the kitchen.

One of the things that make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} recipe stand out is how everything cooks together – making cleanup a breeze and melding flavors in the best way possible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a reliable go-to that feels special every time you make it.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together with such harmony that you’ll be amazed at how simple flavors can become extraordinary. Choosing quality chicken and fresh spinach really uplifts the whole dish.

• Boneless & skinless chicken breast: Using bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and absorb all the savory sauce flavors.
• Olive oil: I prefer extra virgin for the best flavor, but any good-quality olive oil will do.
• Garlic cloves: Crushing the garlic releases its aroma, making the dish smell heavenly while it cooks.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Make sure they’re drained well and finely chopped to evenly distribute their intense flavor.
• Oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that balances the richness.
• Paprika: Smoky or sweet, depending on your preference – it gives a lovely depth and color.
• Dried pasta: I use penne or rigatoni, but any short pasta shape works beautifully.
• Chicken stock: Use a good-quality stock or broth to create that deep savory base for the sauce.
• Double cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy – you’ll want it this way!
• Parmesan: Freshly grated for that perfect salty, nutty finish.
• Spinach: Adds freshness and color – stir it in at the end so it wilts just right.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning – don’t skip it!

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season or what’s in my pantry – this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} is very forgiving and open to your own twist!

• Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil: When I have these on hand, I skip the extra olive oil since they bring richness themselves.
• Swap cream for yogurt: To lighten it up, I’ve replaced double cream with Greek yogurt at the end; it’s tangy and still velvety.
• Add mushrooms: Mushrooms sautéed with the garlic add a lovely umami boost – my family goes crazy for this.
• Make it gluten-free: I’ve tried gluten-free pasta here, just be sure to check cooking times since they vary.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken with Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken pieces, sprinkling them generously with black pepper. This step is key for building flavor – you want the chicken to brown nicely on all sides, which takes about 5 minutes. Don’t rush; a nice sear will give you that rich taste and texture you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Infuse the Aromatics

Reduce your heat to low and toss in the crushed garlic, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir frequently for around 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic softens and the mix smells incredible. This layering of flavors is what makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} recipe so special – the gentle simmer draws out the sweetness of the tomatoes and the warmth of the spices.

Step 3: Cook Pasta and Build the Sauce

Pour in your dried pasta and chicken stock next, then give everything a good stir so the ingredients get evenly combined. Cover with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check doneness towards the end. The pasta should be perfectly tender, and most of the liquid will be absorbed, leaving you with a luscious sauce coating every bite.

Step 4: Finish it with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan

Lower the heat to the gentlest simmer and stir in the fresh spinach and double cream. Keep stirring for 1 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts nicely and the cream is warmed through. Always check your chicken pieces at this point to be sure they’re cooked through. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Finally, turn off the heat and fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese for that creamy, cheesy finish that pulls it all together.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this pasta with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a handful of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A little drizzle of good olive oil right before serving amps up the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like something light and crisp like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans with garlic. They cut through the creaminess of the pasta nicely and keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I like to plate this in shallow bowls with a few sprigs of fresh thyme and edible flowers if I have them. It turns a cozy dinner into something that feels a little festive and extra inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so sometimes I even find it tastes better the next day!

Freezing

While I’ve frozen this recipe before, I recommend freezing without the spinach and fresh parmesan mixed in – add those fresh after thawing to keep their texture intact. Freeze in portions, and it thaws well for a quick future meal.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or stock to loosen up the sauce, stirring frequently to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps keep things even.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients and rich flavors, all whipped up without fuss. I hope you give it a try soon—it’s truly one of those meals that feels like a labor of love but comes together so easily, you’ll want to make it on repeat. Trust me, once you see how much your family (or yourself!) loves it, this recipe will become a cherished staple on your dinner rotation.

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