Table of Contents

A creamy, fast one-pot pasta with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.

introduction

This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is quick and rich. It cooks in one pot, so you use less time and fewer dishes. If you like a slow-cooker option, try the slow-cooker Marry Me Chicken Pasta for an easy hands-off meal.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe when you want a warm, creamy meal fast. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. It feeds a family and makes good leftovers. The flavors are strong from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil.

how to make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Cook the chicken first in the jar oil to add flavor. Remove the chicken and cook the pasta in the same pot so it picks up those flavors. Add milk, cream cheese, and parmesan to make a smooth sauce. Return the chicken, add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, then finish with fresh basil. Serve right away so the sauce stays creamy.

Ingredients :

1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained, 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed, salt and black pepper, 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons salted butter, 2 cloves garlic, chopped, 3/4 to 1 pound short cut pasta, 2 cups whole milk, 2 ounces cream cheese, 2 cups chopped baby spinach, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil

Directions :

In a large pot set over medium-high heat, cook the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar with the chicken and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Scoop the chicken out of the pot and set aside. Add the butter, garlic, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the pasta and 2 cups of water. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, and parmesan. Mix until creamy. Slide the chicken into the pasta, add the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, and gently mix. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil. Serve the pasta immediately with fresh parmesan and basil. Enjoy.

how to serve One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serve hot right from the pot. Add extra grated parmesan and chopped basil on top. Serve with a green salad or some garlic bread for a full meal.

how to store One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Cool the pasta to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

tips to make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to cook the chicken for extra flavor.
Keep stirring the pasta so it cooks evenly and does not stick.
If the sauce gets thick after cooling, add a little milk when reheating.
Cut chicken into similar-size pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Add fresh basil at the end for the best flavor.

variation (if any)

Try adding red pepper flakes for heat, or use roasted red peppers for more sweetness. You can swap baby spinach for kale or arugula. For a different shape and texture, try the Marry Me Chicken Orzo one-pan recipe which uses orzo and cooks in one pan.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs work well and stay moist. Cut them into similar pieces as breasts.

Q: Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Add a little extra cream cheese to help thicken.

Q: How long does the pasta take to cook in the pot?
A: About 8 minutes for short cut pasta, until al dente. Stir often to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant milk that is thick, like oat milk. The texture will change but it still works.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas. Add harder vegetables earlier so they cook through.

Ellie