Name: Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs; ¾ tbsp smoked sweet paprika; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes; 12 oz farfalle pasta; 2 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoon dried shallots; 2 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced onion; 3 tablespoon Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded parmesan; ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup diced spinach; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; Chopped fresh basil for garnish

If you’re craving a dinner that delivers in every possible way, Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your destined dish. Each mouthful balances juicy pan-seared chicken thighs, twirly farfalle pasta, plenty of bright spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes swirled in a creamy, savory sauce that feels like a warm embrace. It’s an absolute weeknight winner you’ll want to serve at every special occasion—or anytime you want to wow someone (including yourself). With gluten-free pasta and vibrant Italian flavors, it’s no wonder this meal gets requests for an encore!

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the amazing things about Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. From the deep smokiness of paprika to the lusciousness of heavy cream and the brightness of sun-dried tomatoes, every component brings something irreplaceable to the table.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and quick-cooking, these hold up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
Smoked sweet paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth that flatters the chicken and sauce.
Italian seasoning: Infuses every bite with comforting herby notes.
Salt and black pepper: The basics for seasoning—so simple, so vital.
Sun-dried tomato oil: Use this directly from the tomato jar for an extra shot of flavor in your sear.
Farfalle pasta (gluten-free): The classic “bow tie” shape, perfect for cradling creamy sauce—gluten-free but so delicious, everyone will enjoy it.
Butter: Creates a golden base for sautéing aromatics and flavor-building.
Dried shallots and minced onion: Double the savory foundation, delivering a soul-soothing aroma.
Minced garlic: No Italian-inspired dish is complete without it!
Gluten free flour: Thickens your sauce seamlessly—no one will guess it’s gluten free.
Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid to carry and meld the sauce ingredients.
Heavy cream: The ultimate ingredient for a dreamy, creamy texture.
Shredded parmesan: Adds umami, richness, and just the right amount of salty edge.
Diced sun-dried tomatoes: Little pops of tang, color, and sweet-tart flavor in every bite.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the sauce’s savory, tomatoey depth.
Chopped spinach: Infuses freshness and color, balancing the richness.
More Italian seasoning and smoked sweet paprika (for sauce): Doubles down on flavor layering.
Chopped fresh basil: A bright, fragrant garnish that makes the dish pop.

How to Make Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by giving your boneless chicken thighs a quick rinse and pat dry. This little bit of prep helps spices stick to every surface. Toss them in a bowl with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring every piece is well coated. It’s such a simple process, but trust me, this is where the magic begins, layering flavor right from the outset.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat a swirl of sun-dried tomato oil in your biggest skillet—this oil brings instant bold flavor! Once your pan is nice and hot, sear the chicken thighs for about three minutes on each side, building a gorgeous golden crust. Lower the heat, pop on a lid, and let the chicken gently cook through for another 6 to 10 minutes, keeping it unbelievably juicy. Don’t rush this step: the aroma is part of the anticipation!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken sizzles away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your farfalle pasta just until al dente, following the package instructions. This keeps the pasta sturdy enough to soak in all that luscious sauce later. Once done, drain and set aside—the pasta will be reunited with its sauce soon.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Melt butter in the same skillet (after transferring out the chicken). Sauté dried shallots, minced onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and smoked paprika until everything is lovely and fragrant. Stir in the gluten free flour and cook for about a minute. Enjoy the symphony of savory smells—this is the heart of Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta’s crave-worthy sauce.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Now, pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, and scatter in chopped spinach. Let the mixture simmer gently (no hard boiling!), allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the spinach to wilt beautifully. Stir in shredded parmesan and watch it turn creamy, glossy, and oh-so enticing.

Step 6: Finish and Combine

Dice the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces, giving a little sneak taste if you must (the chef’s perk!). Add both the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, turning everything gently to coat in the velvety sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped basil for a fresh, aromatic lift—and get ready for applause!

How to Serve Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A finishing flourish can make Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta feel utterly special. Fresh basil is my go-to, but nobody will complain if you get generous with extra parmesan, a little cracked pepper, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal experience, I love to serve this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette, or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. A hunk of rustic gluten-free bread is also perfect for mopping up every drop of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve family style in a pretty, wide serving bowl for a cozy dinner party, or make individual bowls and top each with a basil sprig and swirl of extra sun-dried tomato oil. Leftovers can be portioned into small ramekins for an impressive lunch, or stuffed into a roasted bell pepper for a fun, twisty presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pop your leftover Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner even more irresistible.

Freezing

While many pasta dishes freeze well, this pasta’s creamy sauce may separate and become grainy when reheated from frozen. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate only, skipping the freezer.

Reheating

Gently reheat your pasta in a skillet on medium-low, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

What makes Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta so special?

It’s all about the harmony of layers—juicy chicken, gluten-free pasta, and a silky sun-dried tomato cream sauce come together in a dish that’s both comforting and restaurant-worthy. The flavors truly “marry,” making every bite unforgettable.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just swap in boneless skinless chicken breasts and adjust the cooking time so they don’t dry out. Thighs tend to be juicier, but the rich sauce keeps either cut flavorful and moist.

Is this pasta really gluten free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free farfalle and the specified gluten free flour, the entire dish stays completely gluten free. No one will notice the difference—it’s just that good.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, try half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a subtle twist. The sauce will still be creamy, but with a different (delicious!) flavor profile.

How spicy is this dish?

Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t naturally spicy, thanks to sweet smoked paprika rather than hot peppers. If you want a gentle kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce does the trick!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just hungry for an outstanding meal, you can’t go wrong with Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s a dish that tastes like a warm hug and is so simple, it might just become a weekly favorite. Grab your skillet and give it a go—I promise, you’ll fall in love at first bite!