Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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One chilly evening, while flipping through an old cookbook, I stumbled upon an intriguing recipe called Marry Me Chicken Pasta. I thought, “What on earth could be so compelling about chicken that it prompts a marriage proposal?” My curiosity piqued, I gathered my ingredients and set out to create this savory wonder. As the aroma of smoked paprika and sautéed garlic filled my kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel like I was wrapping my senses in a warm, cozy blanket.

With each tender bite of chicken folded into creamy pasta, I realized why it earned its romantic moniker. The dish is a symphony of flavors—smoky, savory, and just a touch sweet, with a delightful creamy sauce laden with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s the perfect celebration of love through food, and I knew right then that my friends and family would inevitably fall head over heels for it too. Every time I serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I can see the joy on their faces, and trust me, it’s a plus if a second helping comes with an “I do”!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🌟 Easy: No complicated techniques here; it’s all about one pot and your stovetop!
• ⏰ Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• 🥗 Healthy: Packed with protein, spinach, and only the freshest ingredients.
• 🍽️ Flavorful: A harmonious blend of smoked paprika, creaminess, and sun-dried sweetness.
• 🎉 Crowd-Pleasing: Guaranteed to impress your loved ones at any dinner gathering!

Ingredients

• 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they soak up all those delicious flavors.
• 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika: Adds a lovely smoky warmth without being too overpowering.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs makes every bite feel like a cozy hug.
• 3/4 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the chicken and pasta.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: A sprinkle of spice to elevate the dish just right.
• 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun dried tomatoes): This oil infuses your dish with rich, savory tomato flavor.
• 12 oz farfalle pasta: Also known as bow-tie pasta, these little shapes hold sauce just perfectly!
• 2 tbsp butter: A touch of richness that makes everything buttery and delicious.
• 2 tbsp dried shallots: Adds a subtle sweetness; you won’t even miss the onions!
• 2 tbsp minced garlic: Because garlic makes everything better—trust me!
• 1 tbsp minced onion: For that classic aromatic base.
• 3 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour: Perfect for thickening and ensuring the dish is gluten-friendly!
• 2 cups chicken broth: A flavorful base that makes the creamy sauce come alive.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to luscious, dreamy sauce!
• 1 cup shredded parmesan: Because cheesy goodness is what we live for.
• 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes: Bursting with concentrated flavor and a bit of zing!
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: For an extra depth of roasted tomato flavor.
• 1 cup diced spinach: Fresh and nutritious, it brightens up the color and flavor!
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Yes, more! It’s that good!
• 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika: For a balanced flavor, repeating this elevates the dish!
• 1/2 tsp salt: Just a pinch to round everything off.
• Chopped fresh basil (for garnish): Fresh herbs always elevate a dish to the next level!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

First, heat up your favorite pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the sun-dried tomato oil into the warm pan and listen for that sizzle when you add the chicken. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 5-6 minutes! Your kitchen will smell delectable at this point—get ready for that cozy vibe!

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

As the chicken cooks, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the farfalle and cook it to al dente perfection. The pasta will be happy and bouncy! Once done, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 3: Create a Flavorful Base

In the same skillet after the chicken is cooked, add butter, dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion, letting it sauté for 2 minutes until soft. Oh, the smell! You’re creating magic here—now add the gluten-free flour, stirring to form a kind of roux, and cook for about a minute more.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until it thickens like a cozy hug for your pasta. Don’t forget the cheese! Stir in the parmesan and let it melt into the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Goodies

Fold in those delicious sun-dried tomatoes, cooked chicken, spinach, and spices. For extra creaminess, add a little reserved pasta water if needed. Toss in the drained pasta and mix until perfectly coated.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Plate it up, sprinkle with fresh basil, and perhaps some extra parmesan—a gorgeous sight that’s sure to impress!

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use High-Quality Chicken: There’s no substitute for fresh, hormone-free chicken thighs that are juicy and full of flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Garlic: Sautéing fresh garlic brings out its sweetness, giving your dish the flavor it deserves.
3. Cook Pasta to Al Dente: This prevents sogginess, allowing the pasta to absorb a bit of sauce while still giving a bit of bite.
4. Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings to your preference—cooking is all about making it yours!

Flavor Variations

• Protein Swaps: Try using chicken breasts or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a light salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette! For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy pasta beautifully. Presentation is key here; serve in warm bowls and garnish with fresh basil for a restaurant-style touch!

Make-Ahead & Storage

To prep ahead, cook the chicken and sauce the day before, allowing flavors to meld overnight. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Transform any leftovers into a delightful pasta bake! Layer the pasta in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months. For perfect thawing, transfer to the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep everything creamy. Stovetop is preferable, but you can microwave in 30-second intervals if pressed for time!

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for extra veggies or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! With Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour and the right pasta, it’s perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach works beautifully! Just add it towards the end to wilt it down.

Can I double this recipe?
Sure thing! Just ensure your pot is big enough to hold everything, and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

My dear friends, I hope you absolutely love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta as much as I do! Cooking is a wonderful act of love, and with every spoonful you take, remember that delicious memories are being made right in your cozy kitchen. So gather your loved ones, share a plate, and enjoy the moments that make life truly special! Happy cooking!

Enjoy every bite with warmth and joy! 💖

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