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One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4 from 20 reviews

This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs with a cheesy pasta base. Prepared entirely in one pot, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided

Creamy Pasta Base

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3/4 – 1 pound short cut pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups water

Greens and Cheese

  • 2 cups chopped baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Add cubed chicken and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Scoop the chicken out of the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic and cook pasta: To the same pot, add butter, chopped garlic, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the pasta and 2 cups of water. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente—about 8 minutes.
  3. Create the creamy sauce: Stir in whole milk, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese into the pot with the pasta. Mix continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy.
  4. Combine chicken and greens: Slide the cooked chicken back into the pot with the pasta mixture. Add chopped baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and additional parmesan cheese. Gently mix until all ingredients are combined and spinach wilts slightly.
  5. Finish with fresh basil and serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan and basil for garnish. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!

Notes

  • Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to add extra flavor; if using dry tomatoes, rehydrate in hot water before using.
  • Boneless chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture, but breasts are a leaner option.
  • Adjust Italian seasoning to taste or substitute with fresh herbs like oregano and thyme if preferred.
  • For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk and use reduced-fat cream cheese and parmesan.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water added during pasta cooking slightly.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.