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To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups baby spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 8 oz penne pasta - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy dish. Each one adds its own flavor. You can boost the flavor by adding: - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon zest for brightness - Extra garlic for depth These options can make the dish even more exciting. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. If you’re missing something, here are some swaps: - Chicken breasts can be replaced with thighs for more flavor. - Heavy cream can be swapped with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - Spinach can be changed to kale or Swiss chard. These substitutions can make the dish work for your needs. Don't hesitate to get creative with what you have! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a pot with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Stir well. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Make sure to cover them well. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. When cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Next, toss in 2 cups of baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a bit. Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta as well. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta! To get the best chicken, start with even pieces. They cook better this way. Season them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side. Look for a golden brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. For a rich sauce, pay close attention while cooking. After you add the heavy cream, stir well. This helps blend the cream and cheese. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes. It should thicken slightly but stay creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps loosen it up while keeping the flavor strong. Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a nice touch. You can pair it with garlic bread or a green salad. This brings a fresh balance to the meal. For extra flair, try adding lemon zest. It brightens the dish and gives a fresh taste. Enjoy your delicious creation! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. You can pound them slightly to achieve this. Fresh Herbs: For an aromatic boost, add fresh basil or parsley to the sauce just before serving to enhance freshness. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or feta for a unique flavor twist. Pasta Tip: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Adding a splash can help adjust the sauce's consistency if it becomes too thick. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Swap the chicken for mushrooms or eggplant. Both options add a nice texture. Use firm tofu for more protein. Just remember to season it well with salt and herbs. To make this dish healthier, try using whole wheat penne pasta. It has more fiber and keeps you full longer. You can also use low-fat cream or a plant-based cream. This change cuts down on fat but keeps the taste creamy. Adding more spinach or other veggies boosts nutrients too. If you want to try different proteins, shrimp or salmon work great. Cook the shrimp until pink, or bake the salmon until flaky. Both add a lovely flavor and pair well with the creamy sauce. You can even try diced turkey for a lighter option. Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container. Let the dish cool first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to keep the flavors fresh. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. If using the stovetop, add a splash of cream or water. This helps to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Heat on low until warm. You can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta for later. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. It can last for about three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and tasty dish. It features chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce. The sauce has heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. The cherry tomatoes add a nice burst of flavor. Many people love this dish for its simple steps and delicious taste. You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead. Just store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, cook the pasta. Then, warm the sauce and combine them. This way, you save time and still enjoy a great meal. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne works well, but you can try fettuccine or rotini. Each type will give a different feel to the dish. Just be sure to cook it until al dente. This dish is not spicy, but you can add heat if you want. A pinch of red pepper flakes can spice it up. Adjust the amount based on your taste. This way, you can make it just right for you. In this post, we explored Marry Me Chicken Pasta. We covered required and optional ingredients, along with substitutions. You learned step-by-step cooking methods for the pasta, chicken, and sauce. Tips ensured perfect chicken and sauce consistency. We discussed variations for vegetarians and healthier options. Finally, storage methods for leftovers were shared. Enjoy making this dish for family or friends. It’s sure to impress and satisfy!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with chicken, tomatoes, and spinach that is sure to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
  • Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top for an extra pop of flavor.

Notes

Serve hot with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta