Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing multiple dishes for a complete meal? Look no further! The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is here to save the day. This amazing recipe combines the succulence of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the rich creaminess of a sun - dried tomato sauce, the comforting texture of pasta, and the freshness of spinach, all in one pan. It's not only a time - saver but also a feast for your taste buds.
Let's start with the star of the show - the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These cuts of chicken are known for their tender and juicy nature. Unlike chicken breasts, which can sometimes dry out during cooking, chicken thighs retain their moisture, making them a perfect choice for this recipe. When you cook the chicken thighs in the pan, they develop a beautiful golden - brown crust on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside. The key to achieving this is to season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and a touch of your favorite herbs. You can use a combination of thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder to add an extra layer of flavor.
Next up is the creamy sun - dried tomato sauce. Sun - dried tomatoes are a powerhouse of flavor. They have a concentrated, sweet, and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the chicken. To make the sauce, you'll need to rehydrate the sun - dried tomatoes in hot water for a few minutes until they become soft. Then, blend them with some heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of white wine. The result is a velvety, rich sauce that coats the chicken and pasta beautifully. The creaminess of the sauce adds a luxurious touch to the dish, making it feel like a restaurant - quality meal.
Now, let's talk about the pasta. You can choose your favorite type of pasta for this recipe, whether it's penne, fusilli, or fettuccine. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the chicken and the sauce as it cooks in the pan, becoming an integral part of the dish. Cooking the pasta in the same pan as the chicken and sauce not only saves time but also allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the pasta package, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on how much liquid is in the pan.
Finally, we have the spinach. Spinach is not only a nutritious addition to the dish but also adds a pop of color and freshness. As the spinach wilts in the hot pan, it releases its natural juices, which further enhance the flavor of the sauce. You can add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process so that it retains its bright green color and some of its crunch. The combination of the tender chicken, creamy sauce, cooked pasta, and fresh spinach creates a well - balanced and satisfying meal.
To prepare this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, start by heating some olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium - high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for about 4 - 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add some minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the rehydrated sun - dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 - 3 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and white wine, and stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the pasta to the pan and pour in enough water or chicken broth to cover the pasta. Stir gently to make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Cover the pan and let the pasta cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally. Once the pasta is almost cooked, add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir it into the sauce. Finally, add the spinach and let it wilt in the heat of the pan. Season the dish with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve it hot.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the pan for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also top the dish with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a romantic date night, this one - pan wonder is sure to impress.
In conclusion, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious, easy - to - make recipe that combines the best of chicken, pasta, and vegetables in one pan. It's a complete meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
