Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together creamy flavors and tender chicken, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this pasta is sure to impress. The combination of savory chicken thighs, vibrant spinach, and rich sun-dried tomato sauce creates a meal that truly stands out. You’ll love how the flavors marry to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: The rich sun-dried tomato sauce and spices elevate the taste, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this pasta will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
• Comfort Food: Creamy and hearty, it’s the perfect remedy for a long day.

Tools and Preparation

To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Gathering these tools ahead of time will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and ensuring it cooks evenly without overcrowding.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing ingredients to enhance their flavors before combining them with the pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in your creamy sauce.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta efficiently while retaining its shape without breaking.

Ingredients

Marry me chicken pasta is a classic Italian dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. Named for how well the flavors marry, this delicious pasta features flavorful chicken thighs, spinach, and gluten free pasta in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.

For the Chicken

• 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun dried tomatoes)

For the Pasta

• 12 oz farfalle pasta

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp dried shallots
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced onion
• 3 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded parmesan
• 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup diced spinach
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Garnish

• Chopped fresh basil

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove from heat and let rest before slicing into strips.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion. Sauté until fragrant. Sprinkle gluten-free flour into the mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once sauce thickens slightly, reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, diced spinach, additional Italian seasoning, smoked sweet paprika, and salt. Mix well until everything is heated through.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Add cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Serve

Plate your Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot from the skillet. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Enjoy this creamy delight that’s guaranteed to win hearts at your dinner table!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry me chicken pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

For Romantic Dinners

• Serve with a side of garlic bread for a classic pairing that complements the creamy sauce.
• Add a fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.

Family Style

• Present the dish in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves, making it perfect for family gatherings.
• Offer grated parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle over their servings.

Gourmet Touch

• Garnish each plate with chopped fresh basil and extra sun-dried tomatoes for an elegant finish.
• Pair with a sparkling water infused with citrus slices for a refreshing drink option.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creating the perfect marry me chicken pasta requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Choose quality chicken: Using fresh, high-quality boneless skinless chicken thighs ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Perfectly cook the pasta: Follow package instructions but aim for al dente texture, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
• Balance flavors: Adjust seasoning as needed. Taste the sauce before serving and add more salt or pepper if necessary.
• Use fresh herbs: Incorporating fresh basil or parsley adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Pairing side dishes with marry me chicken pasta can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful recipe.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan and croutons adds crunch and freshness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers roasted with olive oil provide color and nutrients.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy green element that complements the creamy pasta.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze creates an elegant side.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and breadcrumbs offer a delicious bite-sized treat.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheese can serve as an inviting appetizer before the main course.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides sweetness and is refreshing after a rich meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s overall success.

• Using the wrong type of pasta: Selecting a pasta shape that doesn’t hold sauce well can lead to a less satisfying meal. Stick with farfalle or other similar shapes for better sauce adherence.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken thighs too long can make them dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy results.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can result in bland flavors. Always sample before serving and tweak the salt and spices as needed.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: A watery sauce can ruin the dish’s appeal. Allow it to simmer until thickened; this will enhance flavor and texture.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Dried herbs and old garlic may lack flavor. Fresh garlic, spinach, and quality sun-dried tomatoes will elevate your dish significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the pasta has cooled completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Consider portioning out servings before freezing for easy defrosting.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Marry Me Chicken Pasta that you might find helpful.

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring chicken thighs in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce served over pasta. It’s known for its rich flavors that come together beautifully.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe already uses gluten-free farfalle pasta. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, especially broth and seasonings.

How can I customize my Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers or swap out spinach for kale. Adjust the creaminess by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream if preferred.

Is there a vegetarian version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based twist.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only flavorful but also versatile! This dish can be customized with various vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!