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Ultimate Creamy One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Ready in 30 Minutes

Close-up of creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with penne, chicken chunks, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

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Make this rich, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta using a simple one-pot method. This recipe delivers restaurant quality pasta at home quickly, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 cups dry penne pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Add butter to the same skillet. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until aromatic.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and dry pasta. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
  6. Remove the lid. Stir in the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • You can substitute penne with rigatoni or farfalle pasta.
  • For a richer flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

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