Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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I stumbled upon the idea of "marry me chicken" pasta while scrolling through TikTok, and I couldn’t resist trying it. It’s not authentically Italian—far from it, with cream, Cajun seasoning, and chicken taking center stage.

But that’s what makes it fun. It’s a dish that feels indulgent and comforting, perfect for when the weather turns cold, and you’re craving something hearty to warm you up.

The origins of "marry me chicken" are a bit of a mystery, but the name likely comes from the dish’s crowd-pleasing combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold flavors. This pasta version builds on that concept, with sundried tomatoes and spinach adding bursts of brightness to balance the richness of the cream.

The Cajun seasoning gives it a subtle kick, making each bite flavorful without being overwhelming. It’s a modern, fusion take on comfort food—simple yet satisfying.

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner to share with family or friends, this recipe is worth trying. It’s easy to make, customizable, and hits all the right notes for a hearty, soul-warming meal.

Plus, there’s something special about bringing a viral trend into your own kitchen and making it your own. Give it a go—you just might fall in love with it like I did!

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Ingredients:

(Serve 4)

• Chicken Breast Skinless Boneless, 2

• Sea Salt, Pinch

• Cajun Seasoning Homemade, For Rub

• Grapeseed / Sunflower / Canola / Peanut Oil, 2 TBSP

• Chicken Stock Homemade, 200g

• Oil From Sundried Tomatoes, 2 TBSP

• Yellow Onion Finely Sliced, 1

• Black Pepper, Pinch

• Garlic Finely Minced, 5 Cloves

• Tomato Puree, 2 TBSP

• Sundried Tomatoes Coarsely Sliced, 1/2 Cup

• Heavy Whipping Cream, 200g

• Conchigliette, 100g Or Any Shell Pasta

• Italian Seasoning, 1 TBSP

• Chili Flakes, 1 TBSP

• Parmigiano Reggiano, For Grating

• Parsley Coarsely Chopped, A Handful

• Spinach Frozen, 50g Or A Handful of Fresh Spinach

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Equipment:

• Cast Iron Skillet / Pan

• Sauce Pot

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Directions:

1. Please visit my "How To Make Cajun Seasoning" page for the recipe.

2. Please visit my "How To Make Chicken Stock" page for the recipe.

3. Cook the Chicken.

4. Season chicken breasts generously with salt.

5. Rub with Cajun seasoning until fully coated.

6. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until smoking hot.

7. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and crispy.

8. Remove from heat and set aside to rest.

9. Optional Stock Boost.

10. Optional step to enhance flavor:

11. Simmer vegetable scraps in chicken stock for 5 minutes.

12. Turn off the heat, cover, and steep for another 5 minutes.

13. Strain and discard the solids. Set the stock aside.

14. Build the Sauce.

15. In the same skillet, add a bit of oil from the jar of sundried tomatoes.

16. Add diced onion and season with salt and pepper.

17. Sauté until lightly caramelized.

18. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken stock.

19. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic.

20. Stir in tomato purée and cook until slightly caramelized.

21. Add chopped sundried tomatoes and cook until fragrant.

22. Pour in cream and the reserved stock. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

23. Add Pasta and Chicken.

24. Stir in dry pasta, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes.

25. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly al dente.

26. While pasta cooks, shred the cooked chicken with two forks.

27. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well.

28. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.

29. Finish and Serve.

30. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

31. Stir in spinach and chopped parsley.If using frozen spinach, it will melt in almost instantly.

32. Serve immediately, warm and creamy.

Chickenlicious and pastalicious...

Mama Mia...

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Recipe Video: