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Marry Me Pasta Recipe

This Marry Me Pasta is a creamy delight! With tender chicken and rich flavors, it’s perfect for impressing loved ones.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Comfort Food, Easy, Pasta
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta or casarecce pasta
  • 2 medium-sized chicken breasts (1 pound)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil coarsely chopped
  • 4 cups baby spinach packed
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley or basil for serving

Instructions

  • Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the rotini or casarecce pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
  • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, remaining Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the sauce, stirring until the spinach is wilted. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  • Serve the Marry Me Pasta in bowls, drizzling with extra Parmesan cheese and garnishing with chopped parsley or basil. For added flavor, a spoonful of basil pesto can be stirred in before serving.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • This pasta can be customized with seasonal vegetables like asparagus in spring or roasted butternut squash in fall.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.