Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you want a dinner that’s both comforting and quick to make, and this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe hits all those marks flawlessly. I absolutely love how all the flavors meld together in one pot, making clean-up a breeze while delivering a rich creamy pasta that feels like a hug on a plate. Keep reading, because once you try this recipe, it’ll likely become a regular in your weeknight rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully for that perfect creamy, savory chicken pasta dish, blending simple pantry staples with the brightness of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. If you pick quality chicken and stock, you’re already halfway to deliciousness.

• Boneless & Skinless Chicken Breast: I love cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and soak up all that sauce.
• Olive Oil: Use olive oil or even the oil from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes to amp up flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key here—it softens and adds that lovely aromatic base.
• Sun Dried Tomatoes: They add an amazing tang and sweetness; finely chopping them helps them melt into the sauce.
• Oregano: Dried oregano lends an earthy, slightly peppery touch that pairs incredible with the creamy sauce.
• Paprika: A little smoky paprika gives the dish warmth without overpowering.
• Dried Pasta: I like using shapes like penne or farfalle—they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite.
• Chicken Stock: Use good-quality stock; it’s the secret behind that rich flavor.
• Double Cream: (Heavy cream if you’re in the US) It adds decadence and silkiness—don’t skip it!
• Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese makes all the difference, lending a salty, nutty finish.
• Spinach: Adds fresh color and balances out the richness perfectly.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To season and add just the right amount of kick.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe to suit whatever mood or pantry I have. You can make it your own in so many easy ways without losing that amazing flavor.

• Mushroom Boost: I once sautéed mushrooms along with the chicken for a deeper umami flavor that my family devoured.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes when cooking the garlic to bring some heat to this creamy delight.
• Green Swap: Substitute spinach with kale or baby arugula for a different texture and earthiness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to keep the recipe friendly for everyone at your table.
• Vegan Version: Try tofu or plant-based chicken substitutes, coconut cream instead of double cream, and vegetable stock for a vegan makeover.

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

Step 1: Sautéing the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat until it’s warm but not smoking. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces along with a good sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, until each piece develops a lovely golden color on all sides—this is where the flavor really builds. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken sears rather than steams.

Step 2: Infuse the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Once the chicken’s nicely colored, turn the heat down a bit. Toss in crushed garlic, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir everything well and let it soften together for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know the garlic is ready when it’s fragrant but not browned—this keeps it sweet and mellow, avoiding any bitterness.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Add your dried pasta to the pan and pour in the chicken stock. Give everything a good stir so the pasta is submerged and coated with all those flavors. Pop on a lid, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir every now and then to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Keep an eye on it—pasta cooking times can vary depending on shape and stove power. If the pasta needs a little more time and the liquid is mostly absorbed, splash in a touch of boiling water and keep going until it’s perfectly tender.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan

Lower the heat to the gentlest setting. Add the fresh spinach and pour in your double cream, stirring everything together well until the spinach wilts and the cream warms through, about 1 to 3 minutes. This is when the sauce thickens beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Then, turn off the heat and fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese—it melts in quickly, adding that signature savory richness you don’t want to miss.

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

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil because it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Fresh parmesan shavings on top bring both texture and flavor, and if you like a little heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes works wonders.

Side Dishes

To keep it light yet satisfying, I love pairing this with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is a classic choice that everyone adores, soaking up every bit of creamy sauce you can’t finish on the spoon. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are fantastic too.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or date night, try plating the pasta alongside grilled lemon wedges or topping with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and some toasted pine nuts for crunch. Serving directly from the pan at the table creates a cozy, family-style vibe that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and the pasta actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to settle. Just be sure to cool it down before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after thawing, but if you want to freeze it, leave out the cream and parmesan and add them fresh when reheating. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or stock to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep it even and creamy. Add a little fresh parmesan after warming for that just-made feeling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe really stands out because it’s simple to make yet packed with so much flavor and creaminess that feels fancy without the fuss. I love whipping this up any time I want to impress dinner guests or just treat my family to something luscious on a busy evening. Give it a try—you’ll see why I keep coming back to it!

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