If you’re in search of a comforting and delicious meal that can have everyone at your table falling in love with dinner, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish features tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and savory sun-dried tomatoes all mixed together with flavorful chickpea pasta. It’s a wonderfully easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a great option for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a reliable recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The blend of creamy cottage cheese and Italian herbs gives it a rich taste without being overly complicated. Plus, the use of chickpea pasta makes it gluten-free and adds a bit of protein to your meal. This dish is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- 10 oz. Banza chickpea pasta shells
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/2 tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
- 1 tbsp. oil from sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups spinach, packed
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps
This recipe is flexible to fit your taste preferences. If you’re out of chickpea pasta, you can easily swap it for regular pasta or another gluten-free alternative. The chicken can be replaced with cubed turkey or diced beef for a different flavor profile. For a creamier sauce, consider adding some cream cheese or Greek yogurt. You can also vary the veggies by incorporating bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large mixing bowl
- High-speed blender
- Large skillet
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and adding the chickpea pasta shells. Cook according to the package instructions, but if you’re using chickpea pasta, undercook it by a minute to ensure it remains firm. This helps avoid a mushy texture later on.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Mix well to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with spices. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side without stirring, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Step 3 – Make the Sauce and Combine
While the chicken is cooking, add the cottage cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, and more oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth, about 4-5 minutes. When the chicken is done, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Lower the heat to low and pour the blended cottage cheese sauce over the chicken and pasta. Add the parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, additional Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to melt the cheese and heat the sauce without clumping. Add the spinach and stir until wilted. Serve warm and garnish with freshly chopped basil and extra parmesan if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a success, try the following tips:
- Be careful not to overcook the chickpea pasta; it cooks quickly.
- Let the chicken sear without stirring to develop a good flavor.
- Blend the cottage cheese mixture thoroughly for a creamy sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste before serving.
- Consider removing the skillet from heat before adding the sauce to prevent clumping.
- Top with extra basil just before serving for added freshness.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with flavors in this recipe. Here are some ideas to add your own twist:
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the cottage cheese mixture for brightness.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.
- Swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness.
- Stir in cooked broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Use different cheeses, such as ricotta or mozzarella, for variation.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a few tasty sides to complete the meal:
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
- Steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans
- Fresh fruit for a light dessert option
Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers
You can store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. This dish can also be made ahead of time; just keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve. If you need to freeze leftovers, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 10 oz Banza chickpea pasta shells
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 0.5 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
- 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 0.75 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1.5 cups spinach, packed
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and adding the chickpea pasta shells. Cook according to the package instructions, but undercook it by 1 minute to ensure it remains firm.
- In a large mixing bowl, add cubed chicken breasts, Italian seasoning, salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine cottage cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, and additional oil in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Lower the heat and pour the blended cottage cheese sauce over the chicken and pasta.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, additional Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine and heat without clumping. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped basil and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute chickpea pasta with any shape of pasta you prefer, including gluten-free options like rice or quinoa pasta.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and no longer be pink in the center. You can also cut into a piece to check for doneness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can skip the chicken entirely and use vegetable broth with added veggies for a delicious meat-free version.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth while cooking to reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is great for meal prepping. Just store the components separately for best results and combine when ready to heat and eat.
