One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the cozy, heartwarming aroma of a one-pot meal simmering away in your kitchen. This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to have everyone at the table swooning. Packed with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that’ll have your loved ones asking for it again and again.

I first came across this recipe while searching for a quick yet impressive meal for a date night at home. The combination of simple ingredients and elegant flavors immediately won me over, and it’s been a staple in my recipe rotation ever since. Let’s dive in and discover why this dish is a must-try!

Why You'll Love This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight dinner lineup. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly practical.

First, it’s all about convenience. With everything cooked in one pot, you’ll save time on dishes without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something hearty without the cleanup.

The flavor is out of this world. The creamy tomato sauce, infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of parmesan, is luxurious and comforting. Pair that with juicy chicken and tender pasta, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

This dish is also wonderfully versatile. You can easily customize it with different types of pasta, add extra veggies, or even swap out the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or making a romantic dinner for two, this pasta always earns rave reviews.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Chicken breasts are the star of this recipe. They cook up tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer taste.

Pasta is the backbone of this dish. I recommend penne or fusilli, as their shapes hold the sauce beautifully. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy depth to the sauce that elevates the overall flavor. Be sure to use the oil-packed variety for maximum flavor.

Heavy cream creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as luxurious.

Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty kick to the dish. Freshly grated parmesan works best, but pre-grated will do in a pinch.

Chicken broth helps cook the pasta directly in the pot, infusing every bite with savory goodness. It also reduces the need for extra water, enhancing the overall flavor.

You’ll also need some pantry staples like garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and olive oil to round out the dish. A large skillet or Dutch oven is perfect for cooking everything in one go.

How To Make This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Making this recipe is as simple as it gets. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside; it’ll finish cooking later.

In the same skillet, sauté finely diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened. These aromatics lay the foundation for the sauce and add layers of flavor to the dish.

Add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stirring for a minute to release their flavors. Next, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and let everything simmer together, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle a generous handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top. Stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce. Finish with chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness, and your dish is ready to serve.

This entire process takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for weeknight cooking.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, they’re just as delicious the next day. Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pasta to loosen up the sauce. Warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, which can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Simply sauté them in place of the chicken and follow the recipe as written.

Want to switch up the protein? Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu work beautifully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

If you like extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Spicy lovers will appreciate the added kick.

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a vegan parmesan cheese alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

For added nutrition, toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt down beautifully and complement the creamy sauce.

With its rich, comforting flavors and one-pot simplicity, this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts.

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