Gluten Free Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Indulge in a hearty, gluten-free twist on a romance-inspired classic. This recipe brings together succulent chicken breast pieces, San Remo Gluten Free Bowties, and a velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for date night or a cosy dinner with friends, this dish elevates quick home cooking into something memorable.
The ease of preparation and rich flavour make it a go-to for anyone looking for a gluten-free pasta solution that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
This Gluten-Free Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect marriage of speed, flavour and ease thanks to the reliable performance of San Remo Gluten Free Bowties and a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just elevating mid-week fare, you’ll end up with a restaurant-style dish ready in 25 minutes.
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prep time10minuti
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cook time15minuti
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serves4people
Ingredients
Marry Me Sauce
Method
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Into a pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to packet directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent further cooking and set aside.
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While the pasta is cooking, pat dry the chicken breast and slice them into chunky pieces. Add the chicken to a deep and wide pan with extra virgin olive oil and season with a generous amount of sea salt and pepper. Cook over high heat, for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Combine garlic, oregano, paprika, thyme, chilli flakes with the semi-sundried tomatoes to the pan and stir to evenly coat. Add the fresh cream or dairy-free alternative along with the stock and bring to the boil. Add the baby spinach and parmesan cheese (or dairy-free alternative) and stir to combine. Allow to heat for 1 minute.
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Add the pasta into the Marry Me Sauce, gently fold in to combine and coat well and remove from the heat (the sauce will continue to thicken upon standing). Divide between bowls, top with more cheese.
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Serve and enjoy with family and friends!
Tips & Tricks
- Cooking Tips for Beginners: Choose the right pasta product: This recipe uses San Remo Gluten Free Bowties (350 g) to ensure the pasta holds its shape and texture in the sauce. Dry your chicken well: Pat the chicken breast cubes dry before cooking to get a nice sear and avoid steaming. Season generously: Properly salt and pepper both the chicken and the sauce. Creamy bases naturally dampen flavour, requiring a bolder hand with seasoning. Follow the timing: Prep your ingredients ahead of time; with a fast 15-minute cook time, this dish comes together quickly. Rinse the pasta: Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water as instructed to stop further cooking and preserve the gluten-free bowties' texture.
- Achieving the Perfect Sauce Texture: The star of this dish is the sun-dried tomato cream “Marry Me” sauce. Here’s how to get it just right: Cook the chicken first on high heat: This gives you a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy. Add flavour components: Toss the garlic, sun-dried tomato strips, oregano, thyme, paprika (and chilli flakes if you like a hint of spice) into the pan and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Pour in the liquid base: Add 300 ml fresh cream (or canned coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative), 300 ml broth/stock, and bring to the boil. The heat helps the flavour compounds release from the herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. Fold in spinach & parmesan: Stir in 100 g baby spinach and 80 g parmesan (or a dairy-free substitute) and heat for just one minute. The spinach should wilt but retain some vibrancy. Combine with drained pasta: Add the drained San Remo Gluten Free Bowties and gently fold to coat with the sauce. Remove from the heat, as the sauce will continue to thicken off-heat.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Using under-cooked or overcooked chicken: Cook the cubes for about 4 minutes over high heat, as specified, to keep them tender. Skipping the rinse step for the pasta: Gluten-free pasta can continue cooking and become mushy if you don’t rinse and set aside promptly. Letting spinach cook too long: Overcooked spinach will lose its colour and crispness. Fold it in only at the end. Not stirring while the sauce thickens: Failing to stir can lead to uneven sauce or burnt bits on the base of the pan. Under-seasoning the sauce: The creamy base can mask weak seasoning, so always taste and adjust salt + pepper before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different gluten-free pasta shape?
Yes, while this recipe uses San Remo Gluten Free Bowties for the shape and texture, you can substitute another gluten-free pasta. Just follow the pasta’s cooking instructions.
Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, use a canned coconut cream instead of fresh cream, and a dairy-free parmesan alternative to keep it dairy-free while maintaining the creamy texture.
Can I make this ahead for guests?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but wait to add the pasta until just before serving for the best texture. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
How spicy is this dish?
The optional ½ tsp chilli flakes add a light kick. Omit or use less if you prefer a mild flavour.
