If you have ever dreamed of a dish so irresistibly creamy, flavorful, and comforting that it almost feels like a promise of forever, then you have to try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, luscious sun-dried tomatoes, vibrant spinach, and a dreamy garlic-parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with ziti pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and has a way of making any dinner feel like a special occasion. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet pivotal in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each plays an essential role—from the creamy half and half creating that dreamy sauce, to the punchy Dijon mustard and zesty sun-dried tomatoes that add a burst of excitement with every bite.
- 1 ½ cups half and half (or heavy cream): The creamy base that makes the sauce rich and luscious.
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth while keeping the sauce light.
- ½ chicken bouillon cube: Enhances the overall chicken flavor without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons honey: Balances acidity with a subtle touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (I use Frank’s): Brings a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Delivers a tangy, sharp twist to the sauce.
- ¾ teaspoons EACH: onion powder, parsley, dried oregano, basil: These herbs and spices build layers of aromatic, savory goodness.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: The star protein, tenderized into bite-size pieces.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning essentials to highlight every ingredient.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity to deglaze the pan beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons butter: For richness in the sauce and cooking aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with fragrant warmth.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for depth and color.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes (oil reserved): Adds a chewy, tangy sweetness, plus the infused oil is gold for cooking chicken.
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Sharp and nutty, melts into the sauce creating irresistible silkiness.
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese (softened): For that extra creamy, luscious mouthfeel.
- 2 cups packed spinach: Brightens the dish with color and fresh, earthy notes.
- ¾ pound ziti: A sturdy pasta choice that perfectly holds onto the sauce.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Sauce Base
Start by combining the sauce ingredients—half and half, chicken broth, bouillon, honey, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, and spices—in a large measuring cup with a spout. This makes it easy to add gradually later. Meanwhile, drain and roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes, patting them dry to avoid excess oil pooling in the sauce. Measure everything out so you’re ready to move smoothly through the cooking process.
Step 2: Prep and Cook the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get thinner pieces that cook faster and more evenly. Tenderize gently with a meat mallet, then cut into bite-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper. Heat one to two tablespoons of the reserved oil from the sundried tomatoes in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through, about five to seven minutes. Set the chicken aside once done.
Step 3: Boil Pasta While Starting the Sauce
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season with salt—this is essential for flavoring the pasta itself. Add the ziti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Meanwhile, add the white wine to the skillet you used for chicken and simmer on medium heat, scraping up flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 3 to 4 minutes, concentrating those bold flavors.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base and Add Flavors
Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for just about a minute until fragrant. Next, stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for a couple of minutes to remove any raw flour taste and create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate the Sauce Mixture and Tomatoes
Gradually pour in the sauce mixture from step 1 in small splashes, constantly stirring to avoid lumps and help everything combine beautifully. Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle boil before lowering the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until completely melted and silky smooth.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine Everything
Let the sauce simmer, partially covered, so it can thicken slightly while you drain the pasta. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slowly, then toss in the spinach and cook just until wilted—around one minute. Return the cooked chicken along with any resting juices to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Mix well until the sauce clings to every piece with a creamy embrace. Serve immediately for best results!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your plating with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves for a pop of vibrant green. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a fresh crack of black pepper can add an inviting aroma and an elegant finish that delights the senses before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is so rich and satisfying that simple sides work best. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, and some crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left on the plate. Steamed or roasted veggies, like asparagus or broccoli, also make a colorful and healthy complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style presentation, serve the pasta in a large shallow bowl or skillet straight from the stove. If you want to impress guests, plate individual servings twirled neatly with a fork, then top with a sprig of fresh parsley or a few sun-dried tomato slices. You could even turn this into a baked pasta bake by layering the mixture in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top and baking until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to stir it gently when reheating, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well for up to two months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and cool completely before sealing. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to freeze without fresh spinach, adding that fresh when reheating if possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring often. Adding a bit of cream, broth, or water helps to loosen the sauce and bring back the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is great for holding onto the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle would also work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is there a substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with extra chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to maintain the acidity and depth of flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the half and half and cream cheese for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan to add a cheesy flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe calls for just a teaspoon of hot sauce, giving it a gentle kick without overwhelming the other flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added towards the end of cooking so it warms through without drying out. This is a great way to speed up weeknight meal prep.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that feels like an instant classic and brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is calling your name. It’s creamy, flavorful, and absolutely crave-worthy in the best way possible. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for any day that needs a little extra deliciousness.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich sauce made from half and half, chicken broth, white wine, sundried tomatoes, and a blend of herbs and cheeses. This one-pot skillet pasta recipe combines savory sautéed chicken, a luscious tomato and cream-based sauce, and spinach tossed with ziti pasta for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups half and half (or heavy cream)
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank’s recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoons onion powder
- ¾ teaspoons parsley
- ¾ teaspoons dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoons basil
Chicken and Cooking Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes (oil reserved)
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups packed spinach
- ¾ pound ziti pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce Ingredients: Combine the half and half (or heavy cream), chicken broth, bouillon cube, honey, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, parsley, oregano, and basil in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set this mixture aside. Pat the sundried tomatoes dry and chop roughly. Measure all other ingredients before starting the cooking process.
- Prep Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create 2 or 3 thinner slices. Cover with plastic wrap and gently tenderize using a meat mallet. Pat dry, cut into bite-sized pieces, then season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil from the sundried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Boil Water for Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, stir in ½ tablespoon kosher salt to season the water for cooking pasta.
- Deglaze Skillet with Wine: In the same skillet used for the chicken, pour in the dry white wine over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up browned bits from the bottom and sides. Simmer the wine until it reduces by half, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Create Roux: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Add Sauce Base: Gradually add the reserved sauce mixture from step 1 in small splashes, stirring constantly to combine and thicken.
- Incorporate Sundried Tomatoes and Cream Cheese: Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to low, then add softened cream cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Allow the sauce to simmer partially covered while you cook the ziti pasta in the boiling salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta once cooked.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Gradually sprinkle the Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce, stirring well. Add the packed spinach and cook for about 1 minute until wilted and heated through.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Add the sautéed chicken back into the skillet along with any accumulated juices, stirring to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gradually add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to achieve your preferred pasta-to-sauce ratio. Note that the sauce will thicken further as it stands. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use good quality dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for deglazing and flavor enhancement.
- If you don’t have half and half, heavy cream can be used but the sauce will be richer.
- Be sure to reserve the oil from the sundried tomatoes as it adds great flavor and is used for sautéing the chicken.
- Ziti pasta is recommended, but penne or rigatoni can be substituted.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add red chili flakes.
- Leftover sauce thickens; thin with additional broth or cream when reheating if needed.
