Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic and Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with fresh spinach and perfectly al dente pasta. Ready in about 40 minutes, this flavorful skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines creamy textures with fresh ingredients and Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by chopping the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: When the chicken is nearly done, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, combining the flavors well.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir gently as the cream thickens. Next, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce is cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, reserving a small amount of pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy chicken mixture. Mix gently to coat the pasta thoroughly. Optionally, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to add a subtle brightness to the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning with additional Italian seasoning or salt and pepper if needed.
