Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts, al dente fettuccine, and a luscious creamy sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach. This easy-to-make skillet recipe balances savory flavors with a hint of fresh greens, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prep Garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves to prepare them for sautéing.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side until golden brown, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Pasta and Spinach: Cook fettuccine pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add pasta along with fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir through the sauce until the spinach wilts, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy, cheesy coating for the pasta and chicken. Return the chicken to the skillet to warm through if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or arugula for different flavors.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
