![- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream For this dish, chicken breasts serve as the star. They cook up juicy and tender, making every bite satisfying. I choose penne pasta because its shape holds the creamy sauce well. Heavy cream adds richness, turning the dish into a creamy delight. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 3 cloves garlic, minced Italian seasoning gives the dish a warm depth. Smoked paprika brings a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with chicken. Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma. - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy note, brightening the pasta. Fresh spinach wilts down, adding color and nutrition. Finally, Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a savory kick, making it irresistible. For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. - Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips. - In the same skillet, sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Scrape any tasty bits off the bottom of the pan. - Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce is rich. - Toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts. - Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, mixing gently to coat it evenly. - Serve the creamy pasta topped with sliced chicken and fresh basil leaves for garnish. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Always check that the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach 165°F. - When adding spinach, avoid overcooking. Cook it just until it wilts. - Taste the sauce as you cook. Adjust seasoning to your liking. Cooking is all about your personal touch. If you prefer more garlic or a bolder flavor, feel free to adjust. It’s your meal, after all! - Serve the pasta in deep, wide bowls. This makes it look inviting. - For garnish, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top. Fresh basil leaves add color. - A dash of chili flakes can enhance the look and flavor. These small touches can make a big difference. A beautifully presented dish is always more appealing. Enjoy the process of making your meal look as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can easily make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta your own. Here are some simple swaps: - Alternative proteins: You can use turkey, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken. Each option brings a unique taste. - Gluten-free pasta options: Try gluten-free penne or spiralized zucchini for a lighter touch. Both work well with the creamy sauce. - Vegan adaptations: Use plant-based cream and cheese. You can also swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas to keep it hearty. Enhancing the sauce can add extra flavor and texture. Here are some ideas: - Adding different vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. These add color and nutrients and blend well with the sauce. - Spice variations: Add red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of lemon zest for brightness. Experiment to find what you love. - Cheese alternatives: If you want a lighter option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It provides a cheesy flavor without dairy. For full details on this delicious recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. For the best reheating, use the stove. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to heat it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Avoiding sogginess is key. If you notice the pasta is getting too wet, don't add too much liquid. A little goes a long way. For more tips, try checking out the Full Recipe. How can I make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time? You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. Make the sauce and mix it just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Store it in an airtight container. It lasts up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. What can I serve with Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Pair this dish with a simple salad or garlic bread. A light side helps balance the rich flavors of the pasta. You can also add a glass of white wine for a special touch. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. How do I ensure the sauce stays creamy? To keep the sauce creamy, avoid boiling it too hard. Stir gently and keep the heat low once you add the cream. This helps maintain that smooth texture. What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes? If you lack sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead. Just chop them and sauté them with the garlic. You can also add a bit of tomato paste for extra flavor. You now have a clear guide to make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta. We covered key ingredients, from chicken breasts to fresh spinach. Preparing this dish involves cooking pasta, sautéing chicken, and making a rich cream sauce. My final thoughts? This recipe is flexible. You can swap ingredients and adjust flavors easily. With the tips I shared, you’ll impress anyone you serve. Enjoy cooking and have fun with your food!](https://fastmealmate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1a3e0cf0-432f-4f1f-8432-b7eabdbc76b2-300x300.webp)
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Discover the irresistible Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe that your loved ones will adore! This quick and easy dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach for a meal that's both comforting and delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a culinary masterpiece in under 30 minutes. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and impress everyone at your dinner table!