Oh, let me tell you about this delightful creation called Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Picture the scene: you’re cooking for someone special, perhaps that person you’ve been crushing on, and you’re ready to whip up something that screams, “I love you!” This dish is savory, creamy, and adorned with layers of flavor that would impress even the most discerning palate. And trust me, it’s the kind of meal that has a reputation for making hearts melt—hence the name.
This recipe combines the heartiness of chicken, plump pasta, and a rich, luscious sauce that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Morning or night, weekday or special occasion, this dish never feels out of place. It’s become my go-to for any dinner gathering or even when I just want to pamper myself after a tough week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me ask you, what makes a dish truly irresistible? If you said flavor, comfort, and a pinch of magic, you’re absolutely spot on! Marry Me Chicken Pasta checks all those boxes. The combination of succulent chicken thighs seasoned with smoked paprika and Italian spices creates a symphony in your mouth. You mix in tangy sun-dried tomatoes and shredded parmesan, and the sauce is silky smooth—almost too good to be true!
What’s even better? This recipe doesn’t just taste fantastic; it also wraps you in a cozy culinary experience. As you sauté garlic and shallots, your kitchen fills with aromas that make you feel right at home. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple! A little chopping, a bit of stirring, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a meal that feels fancy without sacrificing your sanity. If you’re looking for an excuse to pop open a bottle of wine alongside, I won’t tell anyone!
Gather These Ingredients
Now, let’s talk about the hearty cast that will make your dish sing:
- Chicken Thighs: 3 boneless skinless thighs packed with flavor and tenderness.
- Smoked Sweet Paprika: 3/4 tbsp, giving it that smoky depth—trust me, it transforms the dish!
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tbsp for that quintessential herb blend.
- Salt and Pepper: Just the right balance—3/4 tsp salt and a dash (1/4 tsp) of black pepper.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: 1 tbsp from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes; it’s liquid gold!
- Farfalle Pasta: 12 oz of cute bow-tie pasta to soak up all that sauce.
- Butter: 2 tbsp brings richness to the sauté pan.
- Dried Shallots and Garlic: 2 tbsp each, because who doesn’t love garlic?
- Minced Onion: Just a smidge (1 tbsp)—it’ll deepen the flavor.
- Gluten-Free Flour: 3 tbsp of Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 for thickening the sauce but feel free to swap with regular flour if gluten is no concern.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups to build that savory base.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup—a splurge that makes it irresistibly creamy!
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, shredded to sprinkle decadence throughout.
- Diced Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/4 cup for a pop of tangy, sweet flavor.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp to add a rich tomato essence.
- Diced Spinach: 1 cup for a touch of greenery—marvelous!
- Extra Seasoning: Another dash each of Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) and smoked paprika (1/2 tsp) with additional salt (1/2 tsp).
- Basil: Freshly chopped basil for that final flourish.
Preparing Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This is where the magic begins! Here’s how you’ll create this delectable dish step by step:
Season the Chicken: Start by mixing 3/4 tbsp of smoked paprika, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Massage this seasoning blend all over the chicken thighs, letting them marinate while you prepare the other ingredients. Trust me, the more flavor, the better!
Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz of farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s a game-changer in the sauce.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Toss in the dried shallots, minced garlic, and onion. Sauté until they’re fragrant and translucent, which should take about 2–3 minutes—don’t rush this part; it’s where the flavor starts.
Brown the Chicken: Add your seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear them for around 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked through right now; we’ll finish them later.
Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle 3 tbsp gluten-free flour over this pan. Stir and cook for an additional minute to toast the flour slightly. Then slowly pour in 2 cups chicken broth, whisking continuously to ensure it’s lump-free.
Add Cream and Cheese: Once that’s come to a gentle simmer, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded parmesan, 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Next, throw in the diced spinach and watch it wilt into the luscious sauce. Taste, and adjust seasonings!
Combine Everything: Once the chicken is cooked through (about 5 more minutes in the sauce), remove it, slice it up (so it gets all saucy), and return it to the skillet. Toss in that cooked pasta, and if you want it silky, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Final Seasoning: Before serving, finish with an extra dash of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt if needed.
The Best Way to Enjoy It
Once you plate this beauty, consider garnishing it with heaps of chopped fresh basil for brightness. Serve it beside a crisp salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal worthy of any occasion! Want to elevate it? Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine—chardonnay, perhaps?
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you find yourself with leftovers (which, I mean, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t), let them reach room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish—it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months! Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive that luscious sauce.
Pro Chef Tips
- Cook the Pasta in Broth: For added flavor, cook the farfalle in chicken broth instead of water. It’s a little trick that pays off.
- Time-Saving Swap: If you’re in a pinch, you can use rotisserie chicken already cooked. Just skip the sautéing—simply add it to the sauce at the end.
- Adjust to Your Tastes: Don’t shy away from jazzing it up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even swapping the spinach for kale. Customize to what you have!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You could introduce different protein, such as shrimp or even tofu for a vegan-friendly twist. Add a punch of heat with crushed red pepper or a hint of lemon zest for brightness! The possibilities are endless; unleash your culinary creativity.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp dried shallots
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced onion
- 3 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan
- 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup diced spinach
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions to Follow
- Combine spices; season the chicken thighs.
- Cook farfalle in salted water; drain and set aside.
- Sauté shallots, garlic, and onions in butter.
- Brown the chicken thighs on both sides; remove.
- Add gluten-free flour; whisk in chicken broth.
- Simmer, stir in cream, parmesan, tomatoes, and spinach.
- Slice chicken; return to sauce with pasta.
- Season to taste and garnish before serving.
Common Questions
- What’s the prep time? About 15 minutes, with another 30 for cooking.
- Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms.
- What wine pairs well? A crisp white like chardonnay or a light red such as pinot noir complements the flavors beautifully.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze for up to 3 months; just reheat carefully.
- Is it gluten-free? When using the specified gluten-free flour, yes.
So, gather your ingredients and let the kitchen magic begin! I absolutely can’t wait for you to try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta; trust me, it could become your new favorite! Don’t forget to come back and share how your version turned out, or even better – variations you’ve tried!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and savory dish that perfectly mixes chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, ideal for impressing someone special.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Season the Chicken
Mix smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Massage into chicken thighs and let marinate.Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water and cook farfalle until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.Sauté the Aromatics
Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté shallots, garlic, and onion until fragrant.About 2-3 minutes.Brown the Chicken
Add chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side.They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point.Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the pan, stir, and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth.Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Simmer until spinach wilts.Adjust seasonings to taste.Combine Everything
Slice chicken and return to skillet with pasta. Add reserved pasta water if desired for silkiness.Finish with seasoning before serving.Garnish and Serve
Plate the dish and garnish with chopped basil. Serve with salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 650kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 100 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 400 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
