Go Back
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomato Sauce and Spinach

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy and tangy pasta dish with sun dried tomatoes that feels like a cozy restaurant meal made at home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs Make sure to trim any extra fat.
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or your choice) Any pasta shape will work.
  • 3 to 5 cloves garlic, minced Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 cup chicken broth For loosening the sauce.
  • 1 cup heavy cream The creamy base of the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Grate your own for better melting.
  • 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, sliced or chopped Preferably the kind in oil, soak dry ones in hot water first.
  • 1 tablespoon oil or butter For browning the chicken.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • to taste red pepper flakes Optional for added heat.
  • 1 cup spinach, optional For an easy green boost.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil pasta in salted water and cook until just barely done. Save about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat a large skillet on medium high heat with a little oil or butter. Brown the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Making the Sauce
  1. Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  2. Add sun dried tomatoes and stir for another 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, then sprinkle in Parmesan and stir until it melts and the sauce looks creamy.
  5. Add the browned chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer gently until cooked through.
  6. Toss in spinach if using and let it wilt.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and add reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly with a splash of broth, milk, or water.