If you’ve ever wanted a pasta dish that could spark love at first bite, Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach is your golden ticket. Creamy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful, this beloved recipe is more than just a meal it’s a whole mood. The savory sun-dried tomato cream sauce hugs every noodle and juicy chicken bite, while spinach sneaks in a nutritious twist. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a cozy family dinner, or just need a pick-me-up comfort dish, this pasta never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- It’s quick but feels gourmet: Ready in about 30 minutes, but tastes like you’ve been simmering sauce all day.
- Perfectly balanced flavors: Savory Parmesan, bold garlic, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach create layers of flavor.
- Crowd-pleaser: From picky eaters to foodies, everyone will want seconds (or thirds).
- One-pot wonder: Easy cleanup for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Whether you’re craving more heat or need it dairy-free, it flexes beautifully.
Want even more inspiration? Explore this Ultimate Guide to Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach – 10 Irresistible Recipes for additional ways to fall in love with this dish.
📋 Ingredient Notes for Creamy Chicken Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
For the Chicken:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – sliced into cutlets or bite-sized chunks.
- Salt, pepper, paprika – simple seasoning that elevates flavor.
- Olive oil – for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
For the Sauce:
- Garlic – freshly minced is best.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – packed in oil, chopped.
- Chicken broth – adds savory depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream – for that luxurious, velvety texture.
- Parmesan cheese – freshly grated makes all the difference.
- Spinach – baby spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce.
Pasta:
- Penne or fettuccine – sturdy shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Optional add-ins: Crushed red pepper flakes for heat, lemon zest for brightness, or mushrooms for umami.
👨🍳 How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Let’s break it down step-by-step so your Marry Me Creamy Chicken Pasta turns out dreamy every time.
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Boil water with salt and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Deglaze with chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
Step 5: Combine
Add chicken back into the pan. Toss in cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Plate your pasta, top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. You just made love in a bowl.
🔥 Expert Cooking Tips
- Sear chicken in batches: Crowding the pan will steam the meat instead of giving it a golden crust.
- Don’t skip the pasta water: It’s liquid gold for emulsifying your sauce.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly and may cause a grainy sauce.
- Add spinach last: It wilts quickly and stays vibrant when added at the end.
- Want an even deeper dive? Check out this Marry Me Chicken Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe You Need.
🌿 Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is flexible here are some ways to adapt it:
- Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
- Low-carb? Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Want more protein? Add cooked pancetta or even shrimp (try Can I Mix Chicken and Shrimp Together?).
- Switch it up with cheese: Try using Boursin for a tangy twist like in this Easy Boursin Pasta with Chicken.
🍽 What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Complete the experience with these dreamy sides:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – hearty and pairs beautifully with the creaminess.
- Crispy garlic bread – for sauce-sopping goodness.
- Caesar salad – fresh crunch and contrast.
- Roasted asparagus or green beans – to balance the richness.
Need more dinner pairings? Explore these Delicious Italian Steak and Pasta Recipes for ideas.
🎉 FAQ for Creamy Chicken Pasta
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The pasta reheats well. Just add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to refresh the sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
We don’t recommend freezing due to the cream sauce separating, but it will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Totally! Just skip the searing step and warm it in the sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes is what gives this dish its signature taste.
What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, rigatoni, and fettuccine are excellent. Even shells or rotini hold up well.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy chicken pasta with spinach features juicy chicken, garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich cream sauce ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, and drain.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan until fully melted and sauce thickens slightly.
Add baby spinach and stir until wilted.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing everything together until well coated.
Simmer for 2–3 more minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve hot, garnished with crushed red pepper flakes and parsley if desired.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan. Rotisserie chicken can be used as a shortcut. Add mushrooms for extra umami. Penne, rigatoni, or even zoodles work as pasta swaps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, chicken pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomato pasta, parmesan garlic pasta