Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to impress, let me tell you about Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This delightful recipe has quickly become a family favorite in our home. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavors that come together beautifully. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this dish effortlessly brings everyone to the table. The combination of succulent chicken thighs, vibrant spinach, and a luscious sun-dried tomato sauce will have your loved ones asking for seconds—and maybe even proposing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this gourmet meal in no time!
• Family-friendly: With its creamy sauce and pasta, even picky eaters will be asking for more.
• Versatile options: You can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your dietary preferences.
• Deliciously satisfying: The rich flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and spices make every bite irresistible.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch ahead of time, and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this scrumptious Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Chicken

• 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta

• 12 oz farfalle pasta

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun dried tomatoes)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp dried shallots
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced onion
• 3 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded parmesan
• 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup diced spinach
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Garnish

• Chopped fresh basil

Variations

One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is its flexibility! Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at home.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option or try shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini to sneak in more nutrients.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Try different pasta shapes: Use any gluten-free pasta shape you love—penne or spaghetti work wonderfully too!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Searing them in a hot pan with sun-dried tomato oil not only adds flavor but creates a lovely golden crust. This is where all those delicious flavors begin to develop!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your chicken is searing away, cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining; it can help adjust your sauce later if needed!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In the same pan used for the chicken (don’t wash it!), melt butter over medium heat. Add dried shallots, garlic, and onion; sauté until fragrant. Then sprinkle in gluten-free flour and stir well—it helps thicken our creamy sauce! Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once your sauce is bubbly and thickened slightly, stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, additional seasonings, and cooked pasta. Mix everything until well combined. If it seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Finally, serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta topped with fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor. Take a moment to appreciate how beautiful your dish looks before diving into those rich flavors! Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll elevate your dish to restaurant-quality!

• Choose high-quality chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken thighs enhances the flavor and tenderness, making each bite melt in your mouth.

• Don’t skip the sun-dried tomato oil: The oil adds a rich depth of flavor to the sauce, infusing it with a savory taste that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

• Cook pasta al dente: Cooking the farfalle just until it’s al dente ensures it retains some firmness and texture, which adds to the overall experience when mixed with the creamy sauce.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your preference for a perfectly balanced dish.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together, ensuring each bite is full of deliciousness.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Presentation is key when serving this delectable dish. A beautiful plate makes all the difference and sets the stage for an enjoyable meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh basil: This aromatic herb adds a burst of freshness and color, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
• Extra parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top brings a savory note that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: This classic accompaniment is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Its crispy crust and soft interior make it an irresistible addition.

• Steamed broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds a healthy crunch and pairs wonderfully with creamy pasta dishes. Plus, it brings a pop of color to your plate!

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. The freshness of greens adds a refreshing contrast that enhances your dining experience.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers can add extra flavor and nutrition to your meal while bringing vibrant colors to your table.

Enjoy creating and sharing this Marry Me Chicken Pasta with loved ones—it’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for meal prep! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, you can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you want to maintain freshness, try to separate the sauce from the pasta before storing.

Freezing

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What makes this dish called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The name comes from how beautifully the flavors blend together; it’s so delicious that you’ll want to serve it on special occasions!

Can I use other types of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle works wonderfully, you can substitute any gluten-free pasta shape you prefer.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can try using reduced-fat cream or substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta while still enjoying its creamy texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta! It’s a delightful dish that brings comfort and love to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share your experience with those who matter most!