Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a 30-minute dinner made with juicy chicken thighs, gluten-free farfalle, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sun-dried tomato sauce. Searing the chicken in sun-dried tomato oil and finishing the sauce over gentle heat gives it rich flavor and a smooth, restaurant-style texture.

If you love creamy pasta recipes, just like the rest of the internet, you'll fall for my Marry Me Shrimp next.

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, Italian-inspired chicken pasta made with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and tender, juicy chicken thighs.

The Internet's Favorite Creamy Chicken Pasta

Every time I share this Marry Me Chicken Pasta on my social media, it takes off. The recipe has racked up millions of views across social media platforms, and it's one that readers come back to again and again. My inbox and comments fill with messages from people saying it's become a new family favorite, the best creamy pasta they've ever made, or they want to marry me.

You'd Never Guess This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is Gluten-Free

This gluten-free Marry Me Chicken Pasta proves you don't have to miss out on viral comfort food. Every recipe on Golden Grace Kitchen is developed to be gluten-free first, using everyday ingredients that deliver the same rich flavors and textures you know and love. If you don't follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute regular pasta and all-purpose flour with results that are just as delicious.

Why I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts

One of my favorite things about this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that it's made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in most recipes. Chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful, even after simmering in the creamy Parmesan sauce. They're much more forgiving than chicken breasts, so you don't have to worry about dry, overcooked chicken because nobody wants dry, overcooked chicken.

You can absolutely substitute chicken breasts if that's what you have on hand, but I highly recommend trying this recipe with chicken thighs at least once.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe uses chicken thighs, gluten-free pasta, Parmesan cheese, jarred minced garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all of which you can easily find at your local grocery store.
• Super Rich & Creamy: The creamy, sun-dried sauce is made rich with Parmesan cheese.
• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Simple steps like boiling pasta, searing chicken, and simmering the creamy sauce make this dish approachable for cooks of any skill level.
• Filling and Family-Friendly: This hearty pasta recipe serves a hungry family and leaves everyone satisfied.

What Ingredients are in Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list, exact measurements, and step-by-step instructions.

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay tender and juicy throughout cooking, making them ideal for this creamy pasta.
• Farfalle Pasta: This bowtie-shaped pasta catches the creamy sauce in its folds, but penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine also work well.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a silky sauce that won't separate as it simmers.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, adding a nutty, savory finish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These concentrate a sweet-tart tomato flavor that gives Marry Me Chicken Pasta its signature taste. Sun-Dried tomatoes jarred in oil work best for this recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds savory depth while loosening the sauce to the perfect consistency. For an easy protein boost, substitute chicken bone broth for extra protein while keeping the sauce just as flavorful.
• Dried Shallots & Minced Onion: This combination builds layers of savory flavor without overpowering the creamy sauce.
• Spinach & Fresh Basil: Spinach wilts into the sauce for added color and nutrition, while fresh basil adds a bright finish just before serving.

Flavor Variations

• Protein Options: This recipe uses juicy chicken thighs for extra flavor without sacrificing tenderness, but you can easily use chicken breasts as a substitute if preferred. You can even make a Marry Me shrimp pasta version.
• Spicy: I often get asked if this recipe is spicy. The original version is flavorful, but mild. Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat!
• Add Mushrooms: Mushrooms add more texture and an earthy flavor that pairs well with the rest of the dish's ingredients.
• Extra Cheesy: For an even richer, cheesier sauce, add shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan for added indulgence.
• Pasta Options: Any short pasta shape with texture will work well in this recipe. Think penne, rotini, rigatoni; all of these are great options that hold onto the creamy sauce.
• Dairy Free: Can't have dairy? Follow this recipe to make a Dairy Free Marry Me Chicken Pasta version.
• No Pasta: Skip the pasta to make Marry Me Chicken Thighs that you can serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
• More Marry Me Recipes: Use the rich sauce in this recipe to make dishes like Marry Me chicken soup, Marry Me chicken orzo, Mary Me salmon, and Marry Me chicken meatballs.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe comes together in a few simple steps. The key is building layers of flavor by seasoning and searing the chicken first, then using the same skillet to create the rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.

Step 1: Season the chicken.

Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels (do not rinse raw chicken), then coat it evenly with the chicken seasonings.

Step 2: Sear and cook the chicken.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken in the leftover sun-dried tomato oil until golden. Lower the heat, cover, and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Build the flavor base.

Using the same skillet, cook the shallots, onions, and tomato paste until fragrant. Add the flour and cook briefly to create the base for the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the creamy sauce.

Add the broth, cream, and spinach to the skillet. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the spinach is wilted. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine the pasta and chicken.

Slice the cooked chicken and gently stir it into the creamy sauce with the cooked pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Top with fresh basil and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Cook the pasta just until al dente: Cooking the pasta to just until al dente helps it hold its shape when you toss it with the creamy sauce. This is especially important when using gluten-free pasta, which can become soft if overcooked.
• Use a meat thermometer: The FDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). I love my ThermoPro Lightning food thermometer for its almost instant read and accuracy.
• Preheat the skillet: Let your skillet get nice and hot before searing the chicken. A preheated pan creates a beautiful sear and locks in the chicken's juices.
• Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer: Never let your sauce boil, as high heat can cause it to separate. A light simmer creates a smooth and creamy sauce every single time.
• Reserve some pasta water: Before draining the pasta, save ½ cup of the cooking water. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it without thinning the flavor.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQ's

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