Marry Me Creamy Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
480 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Marry Me Creamy Chicken Pasta
Description
This recipe starts with cubed chicken seasoned with Italian herbs, paprika, and chili flakes, sautéed with butter, shallots, and garlic. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated, tangy flavor, while spinach introduces freshness. Cooking the pasta directly in chicken broth and water absorbs the flavors during pressure cooking or stovetop simmering. Cream cheese and parmesan cheese are stirred in at the end to develop a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
The dish delivers tender chicken pieces, al dente pasta, and a creamy texture with bright notes from lemon juice. It can be served garnished with fresh basil and additional parmesan for a comforting and complete meal.
One-pot stovetop method is an option, using similar steps to the Instant Pot version but cooked on the stove for convenience. Adjust seasoning to taste and add chili flakes for heat as preferred.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast or chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, ~1½ lb., cut into small bite-size cubes
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- chili flakes pinch
- black pepper pinch
- 2 Tbsp. butter unsalted
- 1 shallot finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic minced or pressed with a garlic press
- 4 cups chicken broth 1 cup water
- 4 cups water 1 cup water
- 7-8 oz. jar sun dried tomatoes julienned; reserve 2-3 Tbsp. oil from jar for another use, discard rest
- 1 lb. (16 oz.) mezzi rigatoni pasta
- 1 heaping cup Parmesan Cheese finely shredded
- 5 oz. baby spinach fresh, roughly chopped
- 8 oz. cream cheese full-fat, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice freshly squeezed
- basil fresh basil; for serving, optional
- chili flakes
- Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- *Note: one pot stovetop directions are in the recipe notes below.
- Toss the chicken cubes with the seasonings in a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Turn the Instant Pot to saute function (on high) and add the butter. Once melted, add the shallots and saute for ~2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, 30 seconds-1 minute.
- Add the reserved oil from the sun dried tomatoes and then add in the seasoned chicken pieces.
- Cook chicken for ~5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Chicken won’t cook fully, just so each side browns a bit. Cancel the saute function.
- Pour in the broth and water and stir, scraping up anything that may have stuck to the bottom of the instant pot.
- Add the sun dried tomatoes and gently stir.
- Add the pasta on top, but do not stir. Press down the pasta so it’s mostly covered by the broth and water.
- Place the lid on, making sure the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the Instant Pot beeps, perform the quick release function and allow all steam to release, when the pin drops, carefully remove the lid.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, spinach and lemon juice, stir until everything is fully combined.
- Replace the lid for a few minutes so everything can thicken. It will look a little watery/soupy at first but once it sits for a bit, it will absorb and thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Garnish with fresh basil, chili flakes and more cheese. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Notes
- One-pot stovetop method is available combining sautéing and simmering the pasta in broth for convenience.
- Reserve sun-dried tomato oil for added flavor when cooking chicken.
- Adjust chili flakes and seasoning to taste after cooking for balanced heat.
- Serve garnished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese for added freshness and richness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 480 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1chicken breast | |
| Calories | 480kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 67mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 1071mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 1223mg | 26% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 2474IU | 49% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 115mg | 12% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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