Why we can’t get enough of this creamy chicken pasta recipe

  1. Seriously so simple to make, you’ll have it on the table in under 30 minutes.
  2. The leftovers are great, too! The recipe makes a large batch, so feed the family or use it for meal prep for the week.
Overhead shot of marry me chicken pasta in a pan with spoon this recipe

Related –>> Check out this Stovetop Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

What our readers are saying

This pasta was delicious. I served it with a salad. My family all gave it a 5 star, including my 13 year old grandson. It was quick and easy to make, all in 1 pan. I will be making again. Thank you!

Amy

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How to make marry me chicken pasta (step-by-step)

Raw chicken cut into chunks in a bowl with italian seasoning in a ramekin next to it.
Cut up the chicken and mix up the seasoning.
Cooked penne pasta in a colander with a spoon sticking out.
Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
Raw chicken chunks in a skillet with hand seasoning it
Heat a large skillet and add in chicken. Sprinkle with seasoning.
Chopped garlic and shallot on a cutting board
While chicken cooks, prepare garlic, shallot and basil.
Hand stirring cream in a pyrex measuring cup
Whisk together the cream, chicken broth and starch.
Cooked chicken pieces in a skillet with spoon sticking out
Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring to brown on all sides.
Hand scraping shallot into a skillet with cooked chicken
Add in the garlic and shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Hand pouring cream into a skillet with cooked chicken
Pour in the cream mixture.
Hand deglazing a skillet with chicken and cream
Scrape to deglaze the pan. Simmer to thicken sauce.
Add in the spinach, basil and sun dried tomatoes. Cook to wilt spinach for approx. 2 minutes.
Pour in the cooked pasta.
Mix to coat and combine ingredients. Serve with optional toppings if desired.

Recipe tips and notes from our recipe testing

  • Dairy-free option – If you want to make this dairy-free, just sub coconut cream for the heavy cream.
  • Gluten-free option – Simply use gluten-free noodles (rice noodles) – that’s it!
  • Pasta – You can use any kind of pasta you wish for this recipe. Just cook it al dente according to the package instructions. We love penne and farfalle.
  • Sauce – In steps 7-8, if the sauce is too thick you can add water to thin it out. Alternatively, you can add more starch if it’s too thin (just a little bit at a time until it reaches your desired consistency).

Leftover storage and reheating tips

  • Leftovers will last 4-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • To reheat, place in a bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes or place in a pan on the stovetop to heat for a few minutes.
  • If the noodles appear dry, add a splash of water before reheating.
Marry me chicken pasta in a skillet
5 from 1 rating
Get the Recipe:

Quick Marry Me Chicken Penne Pasta with Spinach

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
This easy marry me chicken penne pasta has juicy chunks of chicken thighs slathered in a creamy sauce with fresh spinach, garlic, shallot, sun dried tomatoes, basil and Italian seasonings. The easiest and tastiest date night meal!
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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces, (can sub chicken breasts)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth, (can sub water if you don't have broth on hand)
  • 2 tbsp corn starch, (can sub rice flour or another thickener)
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream , (can sub coconut cream for dairy free)
  • 3/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped if needed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped, (can sub 1-2 tbsp dried basil)
  • 3 cups spinach
  • Fresh chopped parsley, (optional topping)
  • Shredded parmesan cheese, (optional topping, omit for dairy-free)

Instructions
 

  • Cut chicken into bite sized pieces. Place Italian seasoning, sea salt and pepper in a small bowl and mix.
  • Heat a pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to the instructions on the box. When the pasta is finished, drain and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add in the chicken pieces and sprinkle the chicken all over with the Italian seasoning mix.
  • Cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are fully cooked and beginning to brown, about 6-8 minutes.
  • While the chicken and pasta cook, prepare shallot, garlic and basil as noted. Whisk together the heavy cream, corn starch and broth.
  • When the chicken is almost cooked through, add the garlic and shallot to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add cream mixture to the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Turn the heat to low to simmer.
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes, basil and spinach to the pan. Stir to mix frequently until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Dump the cooked pasta in with the chicken mixture. Mix well to cover the pasta with the sauce evenly. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and shredded parmesan cheese (optional).

Last Step:

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Notes

  • If your sauce is too thick, add in more chicken broth to get the consistency you want.
Course: Main Course
Author: Erica Winn
Cuisine: Italian
Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
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