Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta)

Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed (I get my organic, pasture-raised chicken here); 14 ounces penne pasta (I get my fresh pasta here) Code PEACE for $10 off your first order; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (I use this brand) Code kyndraholley for $5 off; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (I get all of my produce here) Code Kyndra15 for 15% off; 1/4 cup dry white white; 1/4 cup chicken stock; 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 3 cups baby spinach leaves; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

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This delicious Marry Me Pasta with Chicken (also know as Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta) is a quick and easy pasta recipe made with perfectly seasoned pan-seared chicken breasts, simmered in a velvety sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, red onions, heavy cream and parmesan cheese and tossed with penne pasta. It can be made in just 30 minutes and it sure to be a family favorite.

An enameled cast iron skillet filled with a pasta dish made with chicken, penne, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, red onion and a rich creamy sauce

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Ingredients in Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients all laid out to make a pasta dish - penne, chicken, white wine, spinach, garlic, seasonings, red onions, cream, butter, and olive oil.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Full details on how to make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe including ingredient amounts and step-by-step directions are located at the bottom of the post.

Chicken: For this creamy tuscan chicken recipe I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. (More Easy Chicken Recipes)
White wine: I like to use a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc, Pino Grigio, chardonnay or Viognier. If you do not want to use wine, you can replace it with extra chicken broth.
Pasta: I like to make this with penne noodles, but you can use any type of noodle you prefer. Try this Avocado Pesto Pasta or this Pepperoni Caprese Pasta Salad.
Red onion: If you do not have red onions on hand, you can also use white onions or even shallots. (Try these Pickled Red Onions)
Heavy cream: The heavy cream in this Tuscan chicken pasta helps give the sauce a nice silky texture. It also helps to thicken the sauce. You can also use half and half but your sauce might not be as thick.
Parmesan cheese: In place of the parmesan you can also use Pecorini Romano or asiago.
Sun-dried tomatoes: In place of the sun-dried tomatoes you can also use fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers. If using canned tomatoes just be sure to drain them first. I prefer to use sun-dried tomatoes that are dry packed, as opposed to oil packed.
Spinach: You can use fresh or frozen spinach in this recipe. You can also substitute kale or Swiss chard. Use the leftover spinach to make these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Peppers.

How to make Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step by step photo directions for how to make marry me chicken pasta

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Cook the pasta as per the directions on the package.
STEP 2: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, paprika, onion powder and black pepper.
STEP 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the on both sides until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from pan and set aside.
STEP 4: To the same pan, add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the onions and sauté until tender. Add the garlic, and sauté until fragrant.

step by step photo directions for how to make tuscan chicken pasta

STEP 5: Deglaze the pan with the white wine and chicken stock and use a rubber spatula to scrape up and mix in any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan.
STEP 6: Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes
STEP 7: Add the heavy cream to the pan, bring to a slow boil, and then reduce the heat to low and simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it is melted into the sauce. Taste, and add more salt and pepper, if desired.
STEP 8: Add the spinach to the sauce and let cook until it is wilted down and tender. Add the chicken and drained, cooked pasta back to the pan and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley, parmesan and red pepper flakes.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. These are my favorite meal prep and storage containers.
Reheating: I recommend reheating this in a pan on the stovetop. Adding a little extra cream and chicken stock will help bring the sauce back to life.
Protein substitutions: This marry me chicken pasta is also great made with halibut, salmon, shrimp, lobster and even pork in place of the chicken.
Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little extra chicken stock to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, you can add a little extra heavy cream and parmesan cheese to thicken it.
Add-ins: This is also delicious with Garlic Confit, Kalamata olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, capers, and/or fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
To made this a low carb pasta: substitute zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles for the penne.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this a gluten free marry me pasta?

Easy! Simply substitute gluten free pasta or serve it on top of mashed potatoes, rice, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Why is it called marry me chicken pasta?

The idea is that it is so good that if you served it to your partner, they would want to marry you after the first bite.

More Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes

This recipe is just one of over 100 quick and easy recipes in my new cookbook - Simply Delicious. It's full of slow cooker, one pot, 30 minute, air fryer, and sheet pan recipes.

ORDER A COPY HERE

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