If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Weeknight Favorite!) Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Creamy, tangy, and packed with punchy sun-dried tomato flavor, this recipe brings together tender chicken, luscious spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a sauce so irresistible it just begs you to dive in for seconds. Best of all, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal way to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join your dinner table) on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clean layout of raw ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center left, there is a white bowl filled with raw light pink chicken chunks. To the right of it, a white bowl contains bright yellow dry penne pasta. Above the pasta, there is a white bowl of fresh dark green spinach leaves. Next to the spinach, a small white bowl holds red sun-dried tomatoes. Toward the top center, a glass measuring cup contains light golden broth. Scattered around are small white bowls and glass jars including a white bowl with white salt, a white bowl with granulated sugar, a jar labeled garlic powder filled with off-white powder, a jar of paprika with a bright red powder, and a jar of thyme with greenish dried leaves. Near the bottom center, there is a wedge of pale yellow Parmesan cheese on a small white plate with grated cheese and a measuring spoon filled with grated cheese. A small glass bowl of creamy white liquid is near the top, and a small glass of light brown liquid sits nearby. A whole yellow onion rests near the bottom of the image. Olive oil in a clear bottle is in the upper left corner. The whole setting is very organized, with each item clearly visible and mostly in white dishes, all placed on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor is the key to making this dish a delicious success. Each element plays an essential role—from the punchy paprika that seasons the chicken to the vibrant baby spinach that adds freshness and color.

16 ounces pasta of choice: Penne or rigatoni work best to catch that creamy sauce perfectly.
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cutting into chunks helps the chicken cook evenly and soak up all the flavors.
2 teaspoons paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness to the chicken.
3 teaspoons granulated garlic, divided: Infuses the dish with robust garlic flavor without overpowering it.
3 teaspoons dried thyme, divided: Offers a fragrant earthiness that complements the tomato base beautifully.
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided: Enhances all the other flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For cooking the chicken and softening the onions to perfect tenderness.
1 medium yellow onion, small diced: Brings a sweet, aromatic base to the sauce.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor to deliver that signature “marry me” tanginess.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a rich, rounded sauce.
1 cup chicken stock: Keeps the sauce silky and flavorful.
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped: The secret ingredient that packs a punch with every bite.
¼ cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess without weighing the dish down.
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that irresistible cheesy umami boost.
4 tablespoons cream cheese: Helps the sauce thicken and become velvety smooth.
½ teaspoon red wine vinegar: Just a splash to brighten everything and keep it balanced.
2 cups baby spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green contrast that wilts perfectly into the sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Weeknight Favorite!) Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta of choice and cook it until just al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water and keep it nearby—that’s your secret weapon for the sauce’s perfect consistency later on.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, mix the chicken pieces with paprika, two teaspoons of granulated garlic, two teaspoons of thyme, and one teaspoon of kosher salt to coat every chunk evenly. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook until golden on all sides but not fully done through, about five minutes. Then transfer the chicken to a bowl and set it aside—you’ll finish cooking it later in the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil, diced onion, the last teaspoon each of granulated garlic and thyme, plus a quarter teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions turn soft and translucent—this gentle sauté forms the flavorful foundation of your sauce.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Simmer

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for about 30 seconds to coax out its deep, rich flavor. Then pour in the chicken stock, sprinkle in the remaining salt, add the sugar, and toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring everything to a strong simmer while scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the pan’s bottom—this step layers in incredible depth.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken and Creamy Elements

Return the partially cooked chicken to the pot along with any juices. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Reduce the heat to low and stir gently until the sauce turns silky and the chicken is cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. This stage transforms the dish into the creamy, luscious delight that defines the Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Weeknight Favorite!) Recipe.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish

Add the cooked pasta and a quarter cup of that reserved pasta water into the sauce, tossing everything so each piece is luxuriously coated. Turn off the heat and gently stir in the baby spinach and red wine vinegar—the spinach will wilt into the sauce, adding freshness and a pop of green. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash more of pasta water will loosen it right up.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Weeknight Favorite!) Recipe

A large blue pot filled with a mix of yellowish-orange penne pasta coated in a creamy reddish-orange sauce, and fresh bright green spinach leaves resting on top. The pot’s white inside is stained with bits of the reddish sauce, showing a rustic cooking scene. A woman's hand is stirring the ingredients with a light wooden spoon. The pot sits on a stove with a blurred kitchen background, and the surface below has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle extra Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a fresh herbal note that brightens this rich dish. A little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate each bite even further, making your dinner feel special and carefully crafted.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own, but adding some crisp garlic bread or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully. The crunch of a fresh salad or the crisp garlic bread contrasts the creamy pasta perfectly, turning this meal into a well-rounded feast.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress friends or family, serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Weeknight Favorite!) Recipe family-style in a large beautiful bowl for communal spooning, or plate it individually with a fresh parmesan crisp perched on top. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add a splash of tang for extra brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s normal to see that creaminess settle a bit.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers, though the texture of the spinach might change slightly. For best results, freeze the pasta in a sealed container for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce, warming it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir frequently to maintain that creamy texture and prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay tender and juicy, which complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with something else?

If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or even a bit of ricotta can work as a creamy alternative, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To adapt it for a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe leans on savory and tangy flavors with just a gentle peppery warmth. Feel free to add some red pepper flakes if you like a kick of heat.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne, rigatoni, or any short tubular pasta are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite shape.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Weeknight Favorite!) Recipe is that perfect blend of quick, comforting, and downright delicious. Once you taste the creamy sauce with those tangy sun-dried tomatoes and tender chicken, you’ll understand why it’s a weeknight favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with it just like I have—happy cooking and happy eating!