Can I make this Healthy Marry Me Chicken and Pasta dairy-free?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by swapping the half and half with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk and using a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt or cashew cream. It still turns out creamy, rich, and full of flavor — without the dairy!

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Traditional penne rigate works perfectly because it holds onto the creamy sauce. However, whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta are excellent high-protein, high-fiber options. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you prefer.

How long will leftovers last and how do I reheat them?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. It reheats beautifully and keeps its creamy texture!

Healthy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pot Dinner

Description

Did you know the now-famous Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe actually got its name because food editors joked that anyone who tasted it would immediately want to propose?

One bite of that creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and it’s easy to see why! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta takes that same irresistible flavor—tender skinless chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes simmered in a creamy sauce—and transforms it into a lighter, one pot chicken pasta recipe that’s just as rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
1 teaspoon of olive oil
3 cloves of garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy
1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups of low sodium chicken broth
1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup of half and half
8 ounces of regular pasta ( penne, rotini or bowtie )
1 cup of fresh spinach
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
Optional 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top
Salt and Pepper to taste
Fresh Basil or Parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Grab your boneless chicken breasts and cut them into small bite size pieces, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot add a splash of olive oil with your garlic, red pepper flakes and sun dried tomatoes. Saute for about one minute.
Pour the chicken broth, almond milk, and half and half into the same pot. Add the pasta along with your seasonings and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce begins to thicken. Note : If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of broth or water to keep the pasta creamy while it finishes cooking.
Stir in Spinach and cooked chicken pieces. Simmer another 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce becomes creamy.
Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese, taste for seasoning and top with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Cut Chicken Evenly for Perfect Cooking
Slice or pound your chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout.

Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These are the secret to that rich, restaurant-style flavor. Use the oil-packed kind for a creamier texture, or dry-packed for fewer calories.

Use Whole-Grain or High-Protein Pasta
Swap traditional penne for a chickpea, lentil, or whole-wheat version to add more fiber and protein without sacrificing taste.

Add Fresh Spinach or Kale for Nutrition
Stir in a handful of greens near the end of cooking for extra vitamins and color — a great way to make this meal even healthier.

Meal Prep Friendly
This dish reheats beautifully! Store in an airtight container and add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to refresh the sauce.

Top with Parmesan for the Perfect Finish
A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a burst of flavor and makes your dish feel indulgent — even though it’s still healthy!

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Cup
Calories: 289
Sugar: 2.5 g
Sodium: 565.5 mg
Fat: 5.6 g
Carbohydrates: 32.7 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 58.5 mg