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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Creamy Italian-inspired pasta with tender chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich Parmesan sauce. Easy one-skillet dinner ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3/4 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil
  • 12 oz farfalle pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons dried shallots
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • 3 tablespoons gluten free flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup diced spinach
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Chopped fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, coat chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3 minutes on both sides until golden brown.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover pan. Cook for 6 to 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to cutting board and tent with foil.
  4. While chicken cooks, boil pasta according to package directions for al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add shallots, onion, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and tomato paste with Italian seasoning, salt, and paprika. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in flour.
  6. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and spinach to skillet. Cook until sauce thickens and spinach wilts, about 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Dice cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add chicken and pasta to skillet and toss gently to coat. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts. For chicken breasts, pound to even thickness and watch temperature closely.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • Cook pasta to al dente only. Overcooked pasta breaks apart when mixed with sauce.
  • Never let cream sauce boil. Keep at gentle simmer to prevent breaking or curdling.

Nutrition