Budget-Friendly Marry Me Chicken (Print Version)

A creamy chicken and pasta dish featuring canned tomatoes and easy, affordable ingredients.

# Components:

→ Poultry & Protein

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

→ Sauce & Dairy

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
06 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
07 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
08 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Vegetables & Garnish

12 - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
13 - Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add drained diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to combine flavors.
05 - Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add spinach if using, cooking until wilted, approximately 1 minute.
07 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually until desired sauce consistency is reached.
08 - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like an indulgent restaurant dish but costs less than ordering takeout for two.
  • The whole thing comes together in 40 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want impressive but achievable.
  • Heavy cream meets tomato in a way that feels both comforting and slightly fancy, which is exactly when food hits different.
02 -
  • Draining your canned tomatoes is the difference between creamy sauce and tomato soup—don't skip it thinking the extra liquid adds flavor.
  • Tasting at the end is crucial because cream and cheese can mute salt, and you need to season aware of that shift.
03 -
  • Reserve pasta water before you drain anything—this starchy liquid is how good cooks adjust sauce consistency without making it watery.
  • Toast your pasta in the hot sauce for 30 seconds before plating; it helps everything marry together instead of sitting as separate layers.
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