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A creamy, indulgent dish bursting with savory flavors, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a perfect way to elevate your dinner table. Featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan sauce, this recipe is both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

1 ½ cups half-and-half or heavy cream
1 ¼ cups chicken broth
½ chicken bouillon cube
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¾ teaspoon each: onion powder, parsley, dried oregano, basil

For the Chicken and Pasta:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup dry white wine (see notes for substitutions)
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons flour
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil reserved
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
2 cups packed spinach
¾ pound ziti or similar pasta (see notes)

Instructions

Preparation:

In a large measuring cup with a spout, mix the sauce ingredients and set aside. Pat the sun-dried tomatoes dry, chop roughly, and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients.

Prepare the Chicken:

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to tenderize each side. Pat dry, cut into bite-size pieces, and season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add salt (e.g., ½ tablespoon kosher salt). Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the white wine and set heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom and sides. Simmer until the wine is reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the butter and garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and flour, cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the prepared sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
Simmer the sauce partially covered while the pasta cooks.

Finish the Dish:

Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring to combine. Add the spinach and allow it to wilt, about 1 minute.
Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
Gradually add the cooked pasta, mixing until your preferred pasta-to-sauce ratio is achieved. Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The blend of Parmesan, cream cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a velvety sauce that’s hard to resist.
Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Impressive Yet Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions without requiring complex steps.

Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a smooth sauce.
Don’t skip deglazing the pan; it adds depth to the sauce.
Reserve extra pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

Pasta Options: Swap ziti for penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
No Wine: Substitute white wine with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this dish?
The sauce can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. However, cream-based sauces may change in texture upon reheating.

What if my sauce is too thick?
Thin it out by adding reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
For added texture, top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy prosciutto.

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a decadent and satisfying dish that will make any meal memorable. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, it’s a recipe worth savoring!