If you’re looking for a dinner that’s ridiculously satisfying but doesn’t tie you up in the kitchen all night, you absolutely have to try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer. Creamy, flavorful, and cooked all in one pan, this recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. Ready to dive in? Let me walk you through everything I’ve learned to make it foolproof and oh-so-delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time doing dishes.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and double cream creates an irresistible sauce.
- Fast and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homey without the fuss.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe — it pleases adults and kids alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe works in harmony to build layers of flavor while keeping things simple. I’ll share some of my personal tips on choosing and prepping these ingredients to set you up for success.
- Boneless & skinless chicken breast: Using chicken breast ensures lean protein; cutting it into bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and quickly.
- Olive oil: I like to use olive oil, but if you want an extra depth of flavor, the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar is awesome here.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh crushed garlic is key — it infuses the sauce with aroma and a subtle kick that’s unbeatable.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a tangy sweetness that’s central to the sauce — chopping them super fine helps the texture blend beautifully.
- Oregano: Dried oregano gives a warm herbal note that complements the tomatoes and cream perfectly.
- Paprika: For a gentle smoky flavor and just a touch of color.
- Dried pasta: I recommend using a smaller shape like penne or fusilli so it cooks evenly and holds sauce well.
- Chicken stock: Adds savory depth; homemade or a good quality store-bought stock works great.
- Double cream: Known as heavy cream in the US, it’s the magic ingredient for that luscious, rich finish.
- Parmesan: Grated parmesan stirred in at the end adds a salty, cheesy punch that ties everything together.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts instantly and adds a vibrant color and nutritional boost.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Season throughout to your taste for a bit of warmth and zing.
Variations
One of the best things about this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love tweaking it depending on what I have in the fridge or special dietary preferences in my family.
- Swap the protein: I’ve made this with turkey breast instead of chicken, and it worked beautifully — similar cook time and flavor profile.
- Make it veggie-packed: Try throwing in mushrooms or bell peppers at the garlic step for extra texture and nutrition.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of double cream for creamy richness without dairy.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes when you add the paprika for a subtle heat that my spice-loving friends adore.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Start by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a large, deep frying pan. When it’s nice and hot — you’ll notice the oil shimmering — add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with a good sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Cooking the chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, helps build beautiful golden edges. I used to rush this step, but I’ve learned that a nice sear gives the final dish so much more flavor and a better texture.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
After the chicken is starting to brown, reduce the heat to medium-low and toss in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Give it all a good stir and let it cook gently for about 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic softens and the tomatoes release their flavor. I love this step — the kitchen fills with such a comforting smell! Just make sure you don’t burn the garlic; stir frequently to keep things cozy and mellow.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Stock, Then Simmer
Next, pour in your dried pasta and chicken stock. Stir everything well so the pasta gets evenly distributed and coated with that gorgeous tomato and garlic mixture. Pop a lid on the pan, reduce the heat slightly, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to stir every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick to the pan or clump together. The timing may vary depending on your stove and pasta shape – mine took the full 20 minutes. Remember, if it looks too dry before the pasta is tender, just add a splash of boiling water.
Step 4: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn the heat down to low. Stir in the spinach and double cream, letting the spinach wilt gently over 1 to 3 minutes while the cream warms through. This is the moment the dish transforms into a creamy dream. Give everything one last check for seasoning, adding a little extra salt and pepper if needed. Finally, turn off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan to melt into the sauce. I absolutely love how the cheese adds the perfect salty balance.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe
- Use Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Don’t toss the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar — use it instead of plain olive oil for a flavor explosion.
- Watch Your Heat: Too high and the sauce can burn or the pasta will stick, so simmer gently and stir regularly.
- Chop Tomatoes Finely: I slice my sun-dried tomatoes super small so they blend into the sauce instead of being chewy bits.
- Don’t Skip Stirring: One-pot pasta can easily stick; stirring every few minutes keeps everything cooking evenly and delicious.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this dish with an extra sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil — the fresh green burst complements the creamy sauce perfectly. A few shavings of extra parmesan on top never hurt either, especially when you want to impress guests or make dinner feel more special.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to pairing — it cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I serve it alongside garlic bread or crusty sourdough to soak up all the creamy sauce; it’s a total crowd-pleaser every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy date night, I plate the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a side of roasted cherry tomatoes. Sometimes I even add a few toasted pine nuts on top for crunch — makes it look fancy but is super easy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When I save some, I usually store the extra parmesan separately to sprinkle on top when reheating, keeping that fresh cheesy hit.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe a couple of times — it freezes well, but I recommend slightly undercooking the pasta before freezing to avoid it turning mushy later. Reheat gently to keep the creamy sauce smooth.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat this is on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or stock to loosen the sauce. That way, it warms evenly without drying out or clumping.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smaller pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work best to absorb the sauce evenly, you can use most dried pasta types. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thicker or larger shapes might need a few extra minutes and a splash more stock or water.
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Is it okay to substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs will work great here. They’re a bit more forgiving and juicy, which can add extra richness. Just watch the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through but still tender.
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Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Swap out chicken for hearty mushrooms, tofu, or plant-based protein. Use vegetable stock and substitute double cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative to keep it creamy and delicious.
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What should I do if the pasta is undercooked but the liquid is gone?
No worries — just add a little more hot chicken stock or water, cover again, and keep cooking until the pasta’s done. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
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Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes ahead to speed up dinner prep. However, because it’s a one-pot recipe, I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s as comforting as it is easy. I love how the flavors build and blend together with minimal effort, and how it always feels like a treat. I hope you enjoy it just as much as I do — it’s one of those dishes you’ll happily “marry” to your meal plans for life!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta {One Pot Recipe} Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan, all blended with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is simple, quick to make, and packed with savory Mediterranean flavors, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
- 650 g Boneless & skinless chicken breast (about 4 breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 Garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
- 170 g Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and very finely chopped)
- 120 g Spinach
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (or use some oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 250 g Dried pasta
- 650 ml Chicken stock
- 150 ml Double cream (known as heavy cream in the US)
- 50 g Parmesan (grated)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with a good sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides of the chicken begin to brown and color.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the crushed garlic, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Continue to cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic softens and releases its fragrance.
- Cook Pasta with Stock: Add the dried pasta and chicken stock to the pan, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Cover with a lid and allow to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Monitor closely and add a splash of boiling water if the pasta requires more cooking time or the liquid reduces too much.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: Lower the heat to the minimum setting. Add the fresh spinach and double cream, stirring thoroughly for 1 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream is heated through. Check that the chicken is fully cooked; season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until evenly combined, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your one-pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- Oil: Use olive oil, or substitute with some oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar for added flavor complexity.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time for one-pot pastas can vary depending on the heat level and pasta shape. Keep an eye on the dish as it cooks; if additional cooking time is needed, add a splash or two of boiling water to prevent drying out.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you or your family dislike the texture of sun-dried tomatoes, chop them very finely to allow them to melt smoothly into the sauce while adding robust flavor.
- Double Cream: Known as heavy cream in the US, double cream adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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