When a dish has a name like Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you know it’s gotta be good. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this comforting pasta dish lives up to every bit of its romantic reputation. Inspired by the version from Golden Grace Kitchen, this twist uses spinach and mushrooms to create a vegetarian-friendly option that’s just as irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just craving something cozy, this recipe is the one you’ll keep coming back to. Trust me, there’s a reason it’s become a favorite in my kitchen.
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My First Yes to Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A Night That Changed Dinner Forever
The first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it was completely unplanned. I didn’t have chicken, but I did have spinach, Baby Bella mushrooms, and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes. I tossed everything into a skillet with garlic, olive oil, and cream, stirred in parmesan, and added perfectly al dente pasta. That night, I served it with a side of sweet potato nacho boats and poured a glass of white wine. My husband took one bite and paused—“What is this?” he asked. “We’re making this again, right?”
That moment stuck with me. Not because of the compliment, but because I realized I didn’t need chicken to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta delicious. It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures—the chewy mushrooms, the creamy sauce, the slight tang from the tomatoes. Every bite is warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
This is now my go-to comfort dish, right up there with my ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes.
What Makes This Version Special
Unlike many creamy pasta recipes, this one doesn’t feel heavy. The mushrooms give it a meaty bite, while spinach adds freshness. The sun-dried tomatoes are a game-changer—sweet, tangy, and loaded with umami. When everything simmers together with heavy cream and parmesan, you get a sauce that clings to each strand of pasta perfectly.
What I love most? You don’t need to be a pro to make this. Just one pot, one skillet, and less than 30 minutes.
It pairs wonderfully with quick sides like pimento cheese pretzel bites or a drink like mocha iced coffee for a fun twist on dinner.
If you love fast and flavorful dinners, you should also try my salmon pasta and longhorn stuffed mushroom recipe. Both bring big flavors without the fuss—just like this Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
The Ingredients That Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Shine
Every Ingredient Has a Purpose
What I love about this version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that it turns everyday ingredients into something craveable. It’s not loaded with complicated steps or specialty items—just pantry staples and fresh produce that work together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gluten-free penne (or your favorite pasta)
- Baby Bella mushrooms (thickly sliced for a hearty bite)
- Fresh spinach (adds color and earthiness)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (for depth and tang)
- Heavy cream and chicken broth (for the dreamy sauce)
- Garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan (because flavor matters)
The sauce thickens naturally thanks to the parmesan, while the mushrooms soak up every drop of flavor. If you’ve tried our creamy salmon pasta, you’ll know how important that creamy texture is—it’s what makes people ask for seconds.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta That’ll Steal Hearts in One Bite
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta features sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach in a rich parmesan cream sauce. Quick, comforting, and so good.
Ingredients
8 oz gluten-free penne pasta 2 tbsp olive oil 1 ½ cups Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1 tsp Italian seasoning ½ cup chicken broth 1 cup heavy cream 2 cups fresh spinach ½ cup parmesan, grated Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Reserve some water and drain. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Pour in broth and simmer briefly. Add cream, stir in spinach until wilted. Stir in parmesan and simmer to thicken. Add pasta to sauce and toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Substitute spinach with kale or arugula if desired. You can use rotisserie chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep sauce smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes. Their deep flavor is what turns this dish from “pretty good” to “I want this weekly.” If you’ve ever made our microwave mayo omelet, you’ll know we’re big fans of getting maximum flavor with minimal ingredients—and that’s the case here too.
Make It Yours (And Still Keep It Amazing)
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that it’s totally adaptable. You can swap out the pasta for anything you like—try fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have. Prefer a meatier dish? Add grilled chicken or toss in leftover rotisserie. Want to go pescatarian? Stir in some seared shrimp at the end.
You can also switch up the greens. Don’t have spinach? Kale or arugula will do just fine. Don’t have cream? Use half-and-half and a bit more parmesan for richness.
The key is to let the base flavors—sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and parmesan—shine. Once you’ve got that down, you can make this pasta your own every single time.
Cooking Steps Made Easy
Step-by-Step: From Skillet to Serving Bowl
Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is surprisingly simple, which is part of what makes it such a weeknight winner. You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes—and it’ll taste like something from your favorite cozy restaurant.
1. Boil the pasta: Start by boiling your gluten-free penne in well-salted water. You want it just shy of al dente since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. While the pasta cooks, move on to the skillet.
2. Sauté the mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the Baby Bella mushrooms until they’re browned and tender. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Build the sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a splash of chicken broth. Let it bubble for a minute, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and bring everything to a low simmer.
4. Add spinach and cheese: Toss in the spinach and let it wilt. Add freshly grated parmesan and stir until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine and serve: Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
A tip from our sizzling spaghetti recipe—always finish your pasta in the sauce. It makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Tricks That Make a Difference
There are a few small steps that really bring this dish to life. Browning the mushrooms well gives the dish that deep, savory base. Using freshly grated parmesan (not the pre-shredded kind) melts better and adds creaminess. And saving a bit of pasta water? That’s your built-in sauce fixer if things thicken too much.
It’s a technique I also swear by in my pasta bean salad—another simple recipe that turns out better when you add those tiny thoughtful touches.
In less than half an hour, you’ll have a skillet full of creamy, rich, and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta that looks as good as it tastes.
Serving Ideas & Smart Storage Tips
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Once your skillet is full of steamy, creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you might wonder—what goes well on the side? Honestly, this dish shines on its own, but a few smart pairings can take your meal to the next level.
A crisp side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. You could also whip up a batch of cottage cheese pizza bowls for a fun, protein-packed starter. Crusty garlic bread or sourdough is a no-brainer—especially if you love dipping into that leftover sauce.
If you’re entertaining, follow it up with a light dessert like our refreshing strawberry matcha latte to end the night on a cool, creamy note.
This dish looks beautiful served in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes for color and a little kick.
How to Store & Reheat the Right Way
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Marry Me Chicken Pasta stores like a champ. Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir halfway through to keep that creamy texture. Just like with our croissant sourdough loaf, moisture is key to keeping leftovers from drying out.
And yes, you can freeze it—but only if you skip the spinach or add it fresh later. The creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh when possible.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that originally featured pan-seared chicken in a parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It earned its name because the rich, comforting flavors are so irresistible, they’re said to inspire proposals. Our version keeps all that flavor but uses mushrooms and spinach for a delicious meat-free twist.
This dish is all about that balance—savory, creamy, slightly tangy, and perfect for cozy nights or special occasions. It’s one of the most loved recipes on this site because it’s simple to make and always satisfying.
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely. While gluten-free penne is great, Marry Me Chicken Pasta works well with fusilli, rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook the pasta until just before al dente, so it finishes perfectly when tossed in the sauce. You can even make it with heartier noodles like bucatini for a slightly chewier bite.
Pasta shape can subtly change the texture and how the sauce clings, but rest assured—the creamy magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta always shines through.
How do I store Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Storing Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easy. After cooling, place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. This keeps everything creamy and prevents dryness.
If you plan to freeze it, skip the spinach or stir it in fresh when you reheat. Cream-based sauces can separate slightly after freezing, but the flavor of Marry Me Chicken Pasta still holds up well.
Can I add meat or seafood to this pasta?
Yes, and it’s easy to do. If you want to stick to the original idea, add pan-seared or shredded chicken. Want a seafood twist? Try tossing in sautéed shrimp or scallops at the end. Either way, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is flexible enough to accommodate whatever you’re craving.
The key is to prepare the protein separately and fold it in right before serving. This keeps the texture just right and lets that creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato sauce stay the star of the show.
Conclusion: This Pasta Really Is Proposal-Worthy
There’s something special about Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Whether you make it with chicken or mushrooms, spinach or kale, it’s always creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something memorable—and the kind of dish you’ll want to cook again and again.
From the first time I tossed it together in a pinch, this pasta has become one of my most dependable and delicious meals. Whether you’re serving it for someone you love or treating yourself after a long day, this is the kind of dish that makes you feel taken care of.
So grab a pot, heat up your skillet, and let the magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta do the talking. You might not get a proposal, but you’ll definitely get empty plates and happy faces. Love feel-good, easy recipes? Follow me on Pinterest for kitchen inspiration and on Medium for behind-the-recipe stories and tips.
