Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to instantly wow your table (or maybe even win someone’s heart!), look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Creamy, savory, and full of vibrant flavors, this swoon-worthy recipe brings together juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, tender farfalle pasta, and an ultra-luxurious parmesan cream sauce—every bite feels like a special occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, Marry Me Chicken Pasta effortlessly transforms into an unforgettable meal. Each component is thoughtfully chosen, lending its own unique touch for a dish that’s rich in flavor and gorgeous on the plate.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay tender and juicy, delivering extra flavor and richness—perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Smoked Sweet Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and beautiful color that set this chicken apart from the rest.
• Italian Seasoning: An aromatic blend that infuses both the chicken and the sauce with herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Balances and sharpens all the savory notes throughout.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: This oil is a hidden flavor bomb—use it to sear your chicken for irresistible Mediterranean depth.
• Farfalle Pasta: The “bow-tie” shape is both fun and perfect for catching every bit of that creamy sauce (use gluten-free if needed!).
• Butter: Enriches the base of the sauce for a crave-worthy texture.
• Dried Shallots & Minced Onion: Build a caramelized, savory-sweet background for the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: No Italian-inspired dish is complete without a fragrant garlic note—don’t skip it.
• Gluten-Free Flour (Bob’s Red Mill 1:1): Thickens the sauce without any grainy texture or lumps, while keeping it celiac-friendly.
• Chicken Broth: Brings depth and a subtle savoriness to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The key to a velvety, restaurant-worthy finish—don’t be tempted to swap with milk!
• Shredded Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for a cheesy, salty lift that ties every flavor together.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their concentrated sweetness and tang punctuate the rich sauce perfectly.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the color and umami complexity of the sauce.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a pop of freshness to balance the richness.
• Chopped Fresh Basil: Showers the whole dish with a burst of bright, herbal flavor just before serving.

Variations

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs, raiding your fridge, or simply looking to try something new, there’s a delicious twist waiting for you!

• Swap in Chicken Breast: Prefer white meat? Use boneless skinless chicken breast for a slightly lighter result; just keep an eye on the cook time so it stays juicy!
• Add Mushrooms: Stir in some sliced cremini or button mushrooms when sautéing the aromatics for extra earthiness and heartiness.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes alongside the paprika for gentle heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use roasted chickpeas or your favorite plant-based chicken alternative for a fully vegetarian spin on the classic.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by washing and thoroughly patting your chicken thighs dry (trust me, this prevents splatter and helps the seasonings stick!). Toss the thighs in a bowl with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, massaging the spices in for full flavor. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chicken and sear each side for 3 minutes. That instant sizzle is exactly what builds the irresistible base for your sauce!

Step 2: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken has a gorgeous golden crust, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook another 6–10 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F—the thighs stay juicy this way. Remove them from the pan and let them cool while you tackle the pasta and sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil the farfalle in well-salted water according to the package for al dente texture. Don’t overcook! Drain and set the pasta aside—ready and waiting for that sauce to hug each bowtie.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low. Add the dried shallots, minced onion, and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, plus another shake of Italian seasoning, salt, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and stir—this forms the flavor-packed roux that will thicken your dreamy cream sauce!

Step 5: Simmer the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is smooth. Add the spinach and cook gently until it wilts and the sauce thickens just enough to coat a spoon. Don’t forget to add the parmesan—and watch it melt into silky, cheesy perfection.

Step 6: Combine, Garnish, and Serve

While your sauce simmers, dice the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add them back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Just before serving, sprinkle over a generous handful of chopped fresh basil. Time to dig into your Marry Me Chicken Pasta masterpiece!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

To really make this dish pop, shower the finished Marry Me Chicken Pasta with lots of fresh chopped basil—its brightness lifts the creamy sauce beautifully. For extra flair, a light dusting of more grated parmesan or lemon zest takes the presentation (and the flavor) straight to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness, or some garlicky sautéed green beans. And let’s be honest—crusty gluten-free bread to mop up any leftover sauce is always a winning idea!

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the pasta in shallow bowls, piling the chicken on top for dramatic effect, or swirling the farfalle into “nests” with extra sun-dried tomatoes sprinkled around. Hosting a gathering? Serve family-style from a big skillet, letting everyone scoop their own generous portion of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to three days—simply transfer Marry Me Chicken Pasta to an airtight container once cooled. This makes for an excellent next-day lunch or a hassle-free dinner repeat!

Freezing

Because of the creamy sauce, freezing isn’t recommended as it can separate and turn grainy when thawed. For the best experience, enjoy this dish fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave at 1-minute intervals (stirring each time), or warm larger amounts in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce needs reviving. This keeps everything silky and delicious!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly lives up to its name—it’s the kind of cozy, craveable dinner that’s bound to spark smiles and second helpings. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or just treating yourself, give it a go; you might fall in love at first bite!

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