If you are ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share a meal, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is just the thing. This dish boasts a creamy, tomato-kissed sauce with perfectly seared chicken thighs and tender farfalle pasta, all infused with a vibrant bouquet of Italian herbs and sun dried tomatoes. Every bite delivers comfort and elegance, making it a memorable dinner that’s surprisingly easy to throw together on any night you want to feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create a rich and balanced flavor profile. Each element, from the smoky paprika to the creamy parmesan, plays a crucial role in building the luscious sauce and tender, flavorful chicken that defines this dish.
- 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, thighs hold flavor better than breasts and stay moist during cooking.
- 3/4 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the chicken’s seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that layers fragrant notes of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil: Impressively infuses the chicken with the rich essence of sun dried tomatoes.
- 12 ounces farfalle pasta: The bowtie shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, making each bite satisfyingly saucy.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté aromatics, offering a silky base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons dried shallots: Provide gentle sweetness and a delicate onion flavor.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Creates warmth and complexity in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon minced onion: Adds additional aromatic depth.
- 3 tablespoons gluten free flour: Thickens the sauce into a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Delivers savory goodness and helps build the sauce’s body.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce indulgently creamy and rich.
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Melts in for a salty, nutty finish to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes: Introduces bursts of concentrated tangy sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Enhances the tomato flavor without watering down richness.
- 1 cup diced spinach: Softens into the sauce, adding color and an earthy freshness.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Sprinkled again to boost the herbal notes in the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika: A touch more to round out the seasoning of the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the creaminess and bright tomato flavors.
- Chopped fresh basil: A fragrant finishing touch that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by washing and drying the chicken thighs thoroughly. Coat them evenly with the smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper so every piece is perfectly seasoned. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the sun dried tomato oil, then sear the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the juices run clear. This step ensures the chicken is juicy with a beautiful golden crust—absolutely essential for a rich, flavorful dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook until al dente, usually around 10 to 12 minutes according to package directions. Drain it well and set aside. Cooking the pasta just right is important because it will soak up some of that luscious sauce later without getting mushy.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it out, those browned bits are flavor gold), melt the butter over medium heat. Add dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aromatic base is what breathes life into the sauce, giving it depth and a tasty backbone.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the gluten free flour over the softened aromatics while stirring constantly to form a roux—cook this for 1 to 2 minutes but don’t let it brown. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream to create a smooth sauce. Bring it to a light simmer and let it thicken for a few minutes until perfectly creamy. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a luscious, velvety sauce.
Step 5: Add Flavorings and Veggies
Now stir in shredded parmesan, diced sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, diced spinach, Italian seasoning, smoked sweet paprika, and salt. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts, blending all those wonderful flavors into a sauce that’s both creamy and packed with bursts of tangy tomato and fresh herbs.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with that dreamy sauce, then heat through for 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors. This final step brings everything together into a warm, inviting dish that begs to be served.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a vibrant, fragrant finish. Serve immediately while it’s warm—you’ll be amazed at how this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe looks and tastes like it belongs in a fancy restaurant, but comes together so easily in your own kitchen.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is your star garnish here—its sweet, peppery essence contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. For an extra gourmet touch, add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These simple additions elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor, transforming it into a feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best with light, fresh sides that complement rather than compete. Consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon juice. Garlic bread is also a classic choice, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve theMarry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and creamy sauce. For a dinner party, you can plate individual portions with a delicate basil leaf perched on top. Alternatively, bake it with some extra cheese in a casserole dish for a bubbly, golden crust—perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a wonderful lunch the next day. Just keep the pasta slightly undercooked initially to avoid it becoming too soft when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, but since cream sauces sometimes separate, freeze with the chicken and pasta separately if possible. Place them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and consume within 2 months for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Stir frequently to avoid scorching and ensure even heating. A gentle approach keeps the chicken tender and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster.
Is it necessary to use sun dried tomato oil?
Sun dried tomato oil adds a unique depth of flavor and richness, but if you don’t have it on hand, olive oil will work just fine. The dish will still be delicious!
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?
Yes, regular all-purpose flour will work perfectly here to thicken the sauce if gluten isn’t a concern for you.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish has a mild kick from the smoked sweet paprika and black pepper but is not spicy hot. It’s gentle enough for all palates and kids, too.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to keep a cheesy note—though the flavor will be a bit different but still tasty.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is more than just dinner—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or that special someone, this dish promises comfort and delight with every creamy, flavorful bite. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes to impress and satisfy, night after night.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe features tender, seasoned chicken thighs seared to perfection and tossed with farfalle pasta in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun dried tomatoes, parmesan, and fresh spinach. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for an impressive weeknight dinner that’s sure to win anyone’s heart.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun dried tomatoes)
Pasta
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons dried shallots
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 3 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup diced spinach
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs thoroughly. Coat each thigh evenly with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with robust flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the sun dried tomato oil. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, creating the flavor base for the sauce.
- Make the Roux and Sauce Base: Sprinkle the gluten free flour over the sautéed aromatics, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour without browning. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, forming a creamy sauce.
- Add Flavorings and Vegetables: Stir in shredded parmesan cheese, diced sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, diced spinach, Italian seasoning, smoked sweet paprika, and salt. Continue stirring until the parmesan melts completely and the spinach wilts, enriching the sauce with vibrant flavor and texture.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add both the drained pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and allow to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pasta and garnish generously with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use gluten free flour to keep the dish gluten free as specified.
- Sear chicken thoroughly to ensure it is cooked through and moist.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and paprika, based on your preference.
- Fresh basil garnish adds brightness and balances the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
