Have you ever wanted to impress someone with a dish so delicious that it makes them fall head over heels in love with you?
Well, Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach might just be the recipe to do the trick.
This creamy, savory, and indulgent pasta dish is not only simple to make but also packs a flavor punch that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family meal, this recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh spinach in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s out of this world.
Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach:
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Antipasto Platter: Start the meal with an antipasto platter featuring olives, cheeses, and cured meats.
Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can be a nice contrast to the rich pasta.
Tiramisu: For dessert, serve a classic Italian tiramisu to complete the meal.
Sparkling Water: Offer sparkling water with lemon or lime slices for a refreshing drink option.
Herb Butter: Add a dollop of herb butter on top of the pasta for extra flavor.
These suggestions will enhance your meal and make your dining experience even more enjoyable.
Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach turns out perfectly:
Season the Chicken Well:
Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning the chicken. A well-seasoned chicken adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil:
Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. They are more flavorful and tender. Pat them dry before chopping if needed.
Adjust the Spice:
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more to taste.
Even Cooking:
To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
Thicken the Sauce:
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. For a thicker sauce, you can add a little more grated Parmesan cheese.
Prevent Clumping:
To prevent the pasta from sticking together, stir it occasionally while it’s cooking and immediately after draining, toss it with a small amount of olive oil if it will sit for a while before combining with the sauce.
Fresh Spinach:
Add the spinach at the end of cooking to preserve its bright green color and nutrients. Baby spinach works best as it’s more tender and cooks quickly.
Cheese Quality:
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother melting. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can affect texture.
Rest the Chicken:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking and before slicing. This helps retain its juices and keeps it moist.
Customize Your Pasta:
Use your favorite pasta shape. Fettuccine, penne, and rigatoni all work well with this creamy sauce.
Make Ahead:
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine them just before serving.
Garnish:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Wine Addition:
For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic and before adding the cream and broth.
Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach is flavorful, creamy, and perfectly cooked every time. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQ’s
What other vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms or bell peppers make great additions for extra flavor and texture.
What is the best pasta shape to use?
Penne or fettuccine works best to hold the creamy sauce.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
Marry me Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta such as fettuccine or penne
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat.Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pasta:While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips.Add the chicken strips back into the skillet with the sauce.Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix with Pasta:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and distribute the chicken and spinach.
- Serve:Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream as desired.
- Don’t overcook the spinach to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.