Make this Marry Me Chicken & Spaghetti and thank us later! Toothsome fiber-filled whole-wheat spaghetti and protein-rich chicken get a creamy dreamy coat of saucy cheesiness. The sun-dried tomatoes and their oil bring in tangy umami notes while the baby spinach and basil add a touch of freshness. We love the subtle undertone of heat from the crushed red pepper that rounds out the flavor profile of this dish. Read on for our expert tips, like how to tell when the cream sauce is the right consistency.

Nutrition Notes

  • Whole-wheat spaghetti is a whole-grain pasta and adds complex carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, plant protein and B vitamins to this dish. While whole-wheat pasta has more fiber and plant protein than white pasta, if you prefer regular spaghetti, you’ll still get many of the same nutrients as you do in whole-wheat pasta, just in smaller amounts.   
  • Loaded with lean protein, chicken breast also provides other important nutrients. These include B vitamins, which help your body use energy, and choline, which is necessary for healthy nerves. Skinless chicken breast has very little saturated fat, making it suitable for heart-healthy diets.
  • Baby spinach offers an array of nutrients, including fiber, folate and vitamins A, K and C. The antioxidants in spinach, lutein and zeaxanthin, support eye health and vision and reduce inflammation in your body. You may also strengthen your immune system when you eat spinach often.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes are tomatoes that have literally been dried out in the sun. Like fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes are rich in fiber, the antioxidant lycopene, and vitamins A and C. Sun-dried tomatoes are typically salted prior to being dried to help preserve their vibrant color. This means that sun-dried tomatoes may have more sodium than fresh tomatoes. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you could look for sun-dried tomatoes made with less salt—check the label.
the ingredients to make the Marry Me Chicken & Spaghetti

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
  • 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach, coarsely chopped (about 6 cups)
  • 1 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and coarsely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons oil from jar, divided 
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch pieces
  • ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ½ cup water
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil