Imagine a cozy dinner filled with the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine — that’s what the One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers. After several delightful trials, I discovered the balance of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy parmesan creates a dish that’s not just delicious but can truly evoke feelings strong enough to lead to a proposal! It’s an effortless one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknights, just like my Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe.
About One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
This dish combines simplicity and flavor beautifully. Testing this recipe multiple times allowed me to refine the richness of the sauce while keeping prep easy. It’s a weeknight superstar that brings family together around the table, and trust me, it’s budget-friendly!
- Quick and easy prep time makes this a weeknight favorite.
- Budget-friendly with minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.
- A family favorite, perfect for satisfying those cozy cravings.
- Italian seasoning adds a burst of flavor, reminding you of vibrant Italian kitchens.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a rich, tangy flavor. Use jarred for convenience or homemade for freshness.
- Chicken: The main protein; thighs bring tenderness. Substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta: Short cut pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully. Can swap out for gluten-free varieties.
- Spinach: Provides color and nutrients. Kale can be a hearty alternative.
How to Make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, sauté the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes with the cubed chicken and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and add butter, garlic, and the remaining Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant, which takes around 2 minutes. Then, stir in the pasta and 2 cups of water, cooking until al dente, roughly 8 minutes.
- Stir in the milk, cream cheese, and parmesan, mixing well until creamy and fully combined.
- Return the chicken to the pot, fold in the baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, and mix gently. Remove from heat and stir in basil before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Pre-cooking the chicken with the sun-dried tomato oil adds a depth of flavor you won’t want to skip.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; al dente is key to keeping it texturally pleasing.
- For a fun twist, add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers in the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color.
- This recipe scales well; simply double or halve it as needed.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, a quick sauté in a skillet helps retain its creamy texture, or microwave it for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. My tests showed that this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving this dish alongside a crisp salad or some freshly baked garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Pairing with my Kale and Roasted Vegetable Soup makes for a delightful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short pasta will work, but cooking times may vary.
- Is there a vegetarian version? Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- How do I make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can pre-cook the chicken and store separately from the pasta.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Skillet reheating keeps the dish creamy, or microwave it in intervals.
Final Thoughts
Every spoonful of the One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings warmth and comfort to your table. I love enjoying it with a sprinkle of fresh basil right before serving. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—let me know in the comments!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Italian Meatball Soup – a comforting dish that shares similar creamy elements.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn – a perfect flavor combination with chicken.
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta – similar cooking technique and balanced flavors.
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes oil drained
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs cubed
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 3/4 – 1 pound short cut pasta
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- In a large pot set over medium-high heat, cook the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar with the chicken and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Scoop the chicken out of the pot and set aside.
- Add the butter, garlic, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the pasta and 2 cups of water. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the milk, cream cheese, and parmesan. Mix until creamy.
- Slide the chicken into the pasta, add the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, and gently mix. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil.
- Serve the pasta immediately with fresh parmesan and basil. Enjoy!