Ah, Marry Me Chicken Pasta! The name alone conjures up visions of cozy nights in, the soft glow of candlelight, and the intoxicating aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. I stumbled upon this dish during a chilly fall evening while hosting a dinner party for some dear friends. As the pasta bubbled away and the chicken sizzled in the pan, I couldn’t resist sneaking tastes. Each bite was a heavenly explosion of creamy goodness, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned chicken.

The best part? As soon as my friends took their first mouthful, their eyes lit up, and laughter filled the kitchen. I watched as they savored each delicious forkful, and it became evident: this dish had the magical ability to make hearts flutter and bellies happy. It’s no wonder it’s called “Marry Me” chicken! This recipe is not just for lovers, though; it’s a meal that brings people together. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or a special someone, prepare for cozy vibes and joyous moments. You’re sure to fall in love at first bite, just like I did!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Peasy: Perfect for busy weeknights—quick enough to whip up after a long day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds)!
• Flavor Explosion: A delightful combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spices, and creamy goodness.
• Comfort in a Bowl: A warm, satisfying hug wrapped in pasta; it just feels like home!
• Versatile: Adaptable for gluten-free diets and other preferences.

Recipe Snapshot

| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|—————–|——————|———–|———–|————|——-|————–|
| Main Dish | Italian-American | 10 minutes| 25 minutes| 35 minutes | 4 servings | Beginner |

Ingredients

• 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these are perfect for absorbing all the flavors!
• 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth to the dish.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that elevates the flavor to new heights.
• 3/4 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of your ingredients—don’t skip it!
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: A nice kick to liven things up.
• 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun dried tomatoes): Enriches the dish with luscious flavor—use every drop!
• 12 oz farfalle pasta: The delightful butterfly shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 2 tbsp butter: Because everything is better with butter!
• 2 tbsp dried shallots: A sweet, oniony flavor that adds a touch of elegance.
• 2 tbsp minced garlic: An aromatic base that every cozy meal needs.
• 1 tbsp minced onion: For that extra depth of flavor—never underestimate the onion!
• 3 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour: Helps thicken the sauce; perfect for gluten-free deliciousness.
• 2 cups chicken broth: The soul of this dish—rich and hearty.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For that velvety texture that dreams are made of!
• 1 cup shredded parmesan: A cheesy finish that brings everything together.
• 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes: Bursting with flavor, they are the star of the show!
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: For that extra punch of tomato goodness and a rich color.
• 1 cup diced spinach: Fresh greens add a pop of color and nutrition.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: More of this fabulous herb mix, because you can never have enough!
• 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika: A sprinkle more to round out the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp salt: A pinch here to perfect the taste.
• Chopped fresh basil (for garnish): Adds a beautiful touch and freshness.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle your chicken thighs with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and hear that gorgeous sizzle! Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. The aroma will have your kitchen smelling heavenly. Once cooked, set aside on a plate.

Pasta

2. Cook the Pasta: In the same pot, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Save a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s magical for our sauce!

Sauce of Dreams

3. 
   

   Make the Sauce: In the chicken’s leftover deliciousness, add butter. Melt it, then toss in the dried shallots, garlic, and onion. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant—oh, now that smell! It’s enticing, isn’t it? Stir in the gluten-free flour, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add in the parmesan, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, spinach, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. Let it simmer gently until thick and creamy.

   
   
4. 
   

   Combine: Put your chicken back into the pan and let it soak in all that creamy goodness for another few minutes. Add the cooked farfalle and toss together. If it’s too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right!

   
   
5. 
   

   Garnish: Serve it up in cozy bowls, and don’t forget that beautiful fresh basil on top!

   
   

Pro Tips for Success

• Patience is Key: Don’t rush the browning of the chicken; it brings out so much flavor!
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and basil whenever possible for the best taste.
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: It’s liquid gold for this sauce – that starch will make it creamy and luscious!
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go; your palate knows best!

Flavor Variations

• Swap out the chicken for shrimp or grilled veggies for a lighter twist.
• Add roasted red peppers for a sweet, tangy burst.
• A touch of crushed red pepper flakes can spice things up if you like a little heat!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dreamy pasta with a side of garlic bread for mopping up leftover sauce and a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Pair it with a nice glass of white wine, perhaps a Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio.

Plating Tips

Never underestimate the power of presentation! Drizzle a little olive oil over the top, sprinkle with more parmesan, and a few basil leaves to make it pop.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate them separately. Assemble and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve!

The assembled dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled before popping it in!

Leftovers

Transform leftovers into a creamy casserole by mixing in some additional cheese and baking until bubbly. Or toss it with some greens for a hearty lunch.

Freezing

Yes—this can be frozen! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It lasts about 2-3 months.

When ready to enjoy, let it defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best reheating is done on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth added in to keep it from drying out. You can also use the microwave, but give it a stir halfway through heating to ensure it warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I use pasta other than farfalle?
Absolutely! Any short pasta will work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure all your ingredients, especially the chicken broth and pasta, are labeled gluten-free!

How can I add veggies to this dish?
Zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms would be lovely additions. Sauté them along with the onions for a fantastic veggie boost!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my dear cozy cooks! Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your table. The hard part? Trying not to smile as each rich and flavorful bite dances on your palate. So go ahead, roll up those sleeves, and create some hearty love in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to make it—and remember, whether you’re sharing it with a loved one or just treating yourself, you deserve this deliciousness! Happy cooking and bon appétit, friends!

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