Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re hunting for a cozy, crave-worthy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is absolutely the one to try. I love this because it combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of farfalle pasta. It’s a beautiful balance of smoky paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasonings that turn a simple dinner into something special — believe me, your dinner guests will be asking for seconds!

This recipe works wonderfully for a weeknight meal or when you want to impress without a ton of fuss. I discovered this trick when looking for a dish that’s both elegant and easy; the sauce comes together quickly with pantry-friendly ingredients, and you can have the whole plate ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll find that mastering this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe soon becomes your go-to for a delicious, comforting meal that feels way more gourmet than it really is.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe come together beautifully to make a luscious, layered dish. Each one plays an important role—whether it’s that smoky paprika on the chicken or the creamy parmesan in the sauce. Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you start cooking.

• Chicken thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless for easy cooking and juicy flavor retention.
• Smoked sweet paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smokiness that elevates the dish.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to bring that classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper: Essential basics to season your chicken and sauce perfectly.
• Sun-dried tomato oil: This oil carries intense tomato flavor and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
• Farfalle pasta: The bowtie shape holds sauce so nicely—feel free to use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have farfalle.
• Butter: For sautéing aromatics and enriching the sauce.
• Dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion: This trio makes the sauce aromatic and savory.
• Gluten-free flour (Bob’s Red Mill 1:1): Helps thicken the sauce without any lumps.
• Chicken broth: Provides the liquid base and depth of flavor.
• Heavy cream: The secret for that indulgent, velvety sauce texture.
• Shredded parmesan: Adds sharpness, depth, and creaminess as it melts.
• Diced sun-dried tomatoes: Bursts of tangy, chewy texture that brighten the dish.
• Tomato paste: Deepens the sauce’s tomato taste and gives a nice color.
• Diced spinach: Adds freshness and color—plus, it wilts perfectly into the sauce.
• Chopped fresh basil: For garnish and a fragrant final touch.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by tweaking the ingredients based on what’s in season or what my family’s craving. You really can’t go wrong with some thoughtful swaps or additions, so feel free to get creative!

• Use chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, chicken breast works fine—just avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
• Swap the pasta: Try gluten-free or whole wheat pasta for dietary needs or added nutrition.
• Add mushrooms: I sometimes toss in sliced cremini mushrooms for an earthy boost.
• Make it spicy: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics for a subtle kick.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps get a beautiful sear. Mix the smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper and coat each thigh evenly. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium-high heat—make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken to get that golden crust. Sear the chicken about 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. Don’t rush this step; those browned bits add tons of flavor to the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your farfalle pasta. Cook it until just al dente—this means it still has a slight bite because it will keep cooking a bit more once mixed with the sauce. Drain and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet (wipe out any burnt bits if needed), melt butter over medium heat and add the dried shallots, minced garlic, and onion. Sauté until fragrant and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the gluten-free flour and cook for 1 minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, keeping the sauce at a light simmer. Add the shredded parmesan, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, diced spinach, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt—stir until everything is melted and combined into one luscious sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken in that creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your ideal consistency. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil—and voila! You’ve got a plate of Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s ready to impress.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the finished dish with fresh chopped basil because it adds a bright herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a little extra parmesan or cracked black pepper to keep things simple yet flavorful. If you want a pop of color, a few halved cherry tomatoes on top work wonders!

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or you can serve it alongside roasted asparagus or garlic bread for a truly comforting meal. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a simple arugula salad with shaved parmesan and walnuts are my go-to sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate the pasta in shallow wide bowls and garnish with a basil sprig and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. You could also serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for that rustic, cozy vibe that wows guests without extra effort. Adding edible flowers or colorful microgreens gives a fancy touch perfect for date nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. I like to cool the dish quickly before refrigerating to maintain freshness. Just be sure not to leave it sitting out at room temperature for too long to avoid soggy pasta or spoilage.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe isn’t ideal because the creamy sauce tends to separate once thawed, which affects the texture. So I usually recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerating leftovers instead.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive that silky texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but be sure to heat it in short bursts and stir often to prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s effortlessly impressive and downright delicious every time. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s a recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of romance to the dinner table. Whether for a family meal or a date night, this dish is sure to win hearts and maybe even inspire that “marry me” moment you’ve been waiting for!

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