Marry Me Chicken With Spinach – Easy Skillet Weeknight Meal

Marry me chicken with spinach is one of those meals that makes people pause after the first bite. Tender chicken gently cooks in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream, speckled with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach that melt seamlessly into the sauce.

Whether you prepare it in a crockpot or tuck it into a bubbling casserole dish, this recipe brings comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s rich, tender, and just a little bit romantic, hence the name.

This is the best marry me chicken recipe with spinach for folks who want something easy, warm, and downright satisfying on the table.

The Story Behind My Marry Me Chicken with Spinach

Marry me chicken with spinach has earned its place as one of my go-to recipes when I want to serve something that feels a little bit special without fuss.

The first time I made it, I was craving something creamy, something with a little tang from sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of green from a handful of spinach leaves. I tossed it all into the crockpot and hoped for the best.

Hours later, the house smelled like garlic, parmesan, and pure happiness, and I knew I had something worth sharing.

That version quickly became my favorite marry me chicken recipe with spinach, and it’s been on regular rotation ever since. It reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking, rich, comforting, and full of soul.

She always said that the best meals aren’t the ones with the most ingredients, but the ones that make people sit down and stay a while. This one does exactly that.

Whether I make it as a crockpot marry me chicken with spinach on a weekday or bake it into a casserole for Sunday dinner, the result is always tender, flavorful chicken bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce that soaks beautifully into whatever you serve it with, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Spinach: The Unsung Hero of This Creamy Classic

I love using spinach in this dish, not just because it’s nutritious, but because it brings freshness to an otherwise rich recipe. It softens beautifully as the sauce simmers and blends into the cream without losing its identity.

Adding greens to chicken dishes has always felt right to me, and in this case, it balances the heavy cream and parmesan perfectly. For me, that’s what makes this the best marry me chicken recipe with spinach, it’s hearty, but never too heavy.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken with Spinach

Here’s what you’ll need to make a flavorful and creamy marry me chicken with spinach, whether you’re using a crockpot or casserole dish:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs – Breasts are lean; thighs are more tender.
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach – Wilts into the sauce and adds freshness.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped – Sweet and tangy richness.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce silky and satisfying.
• ¾ cup grated parmesan – Melts in for depth and saltiness.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Adds bold, savory flavor.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Loosens the sauce and boosts flavor.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs to tie it all together.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – For a gentle kick of heat.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste–be generous.
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter – For searing the chicken before baking or slow cooking.

These pantry-friendly ingredients are what make this the best marry me chicken recipe with spinach, simple, comforting, and packed with flavor.

How to Cook Marry Me Chicken with Spinach (Crockpot or Casserole)?

Crockpot Method (Easiest for Busy Days)

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
   Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
   Tip: Searing amps up flavor, but you can skip it when time’s tight.
2. Layer Ingredients in Crockpot
   Place the seared (or raw) chicken in the crockpot. Scatter sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan over the top.
3. Pour in Liquids
   Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently, but don’t overmix.
   Mistake to Avoid: Don’t add spinach yet, it’ll overcook and lose color.
4. Cook Low and Slow
   Cover the slow cooker and cook: 4–5 hours on Low or 2 ½–3 hours on High, until the chicken is fork-tender and hits an internal temp of 165 °F.
5. Add Spinach at the End
   Fold in the baby spinach during the final 15 minutes of cooking. Let it wilt naturally in the warm sauce.
   Tip: Keep the lid on to trap heat and avoid drying out the sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. The luscious sauce is made for soaking up every bite.

This slow-simmered version of marry me chicken with spinach is a crowd-pleaser, just like my one-pot marry me chicken pasta, another easy favorite when you need dinner done with minimal cleanup.

Casserole Method (Great for a Golden Top)

1. Preheat Oven
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Sear Chicken
   Sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with oil or butter for about 3 minutes on each side.
3. Make the Sauce
   In the same pan, combine garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, broth, and parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole
   Place seared chicken in the baking dish. Pour sauce over the top. Cover with foil.
5. Bake
   Bake for 25–30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
   Tip: Remove foil in the last 5 minutes to slightly brown the top.
6. Add Spinach & Broil (Optional)
   Once baked, stir in spinach while hot. Broil uncovered for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly top.
7. Rest and Serve
   Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The sauce thickens as it cools slightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overcooking the spinach: Always add near the end.
• Too much salt: Parmesan is salty, taste before adding more.
• Skipping the sear: Although optional, searing boosts flavor and builds tasty texture.
• Dry chicken: Use a thermometer to check doneness; don’t guess.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken with Spinach (And What to Pair It With)?

Best Ways to Serve It

One of the reasons I make marry me chicken with spinach again and again is because it’s so easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing dinner guests, it shines with the right sides.

• Over Pasta:
  Toss it with fettuccine or penne. The velvety sauce coats every bite perfectly. This method reminds me of the slow-cooked flavors in my crock pot marry me chicken pasta, which is just as rich and perfect for pasta lovers.
• With Mashed Potatoes:
  Creamy chicken over buttery mashed potatoes? Southern heaven. Let the garlic-Parmesan sauce soak in, no gravy necessary.
• Alongside Rice or Quinoa:
  This is a great option for a lighter base that still absorbs the sauce without overpowering it.
• Crusty Bread or Garlic Rolls:
  For mopping up the sauce. You don’t want to leave a drop behind.

Side Dishes That Work Beautifully

Pair this marry me chicken recipe with spinach with simple, fresh sides that balance its richness:

• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus – Add color and crunch to the plate.
• Roasted Carrots or Brussels Sprouts – Bring a sweet, earthy contrast.
• Simple Garden Salad – A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creamy sauce nicely.
• Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes – If you’re a sun-dried tomato fan, these double the flavor profile.

What to Do with Leftovers?

Leftover marry me chicken with spinach keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days in the fridge. Store in an airtight container, and reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth or cream. You can even shred the chicken and stir it into pasta for a quick next-day lunch.

How to Store, Reheat & Repurpose Marry Me Chicken with Spinach?

Leftovers You’ll Look Forward To

The beauty of marry me chicken with spinach is that it tastes just as good the next day, sometimes better. Here’s how to store and reheat it without losing that creamy, comforting texture.

• Refrigerator: Cool the leftovers first, seal them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to four days.
• Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Once cooled, pack the portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Best Results

• On the Stove: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
• In the Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each burst. Cover loosely to avoid splatter.
• In the Oven: Place in a covered baking dish at 300°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Don’t overheat, the sauce can separate and the chicken may dry out.

Easy Ways to Use Leftovers Again

Don’t let any of that flavorful sauce go to waste. Here are a few ways to turn leftover marry me chicken with spinach into something new:

• Pasta Night, Again: Shred or slice the chicken, warm the sauce, and stir it into freshly cooked noodles. It’s a speedy spin on my classic Marry Me Chicken pasta.
• Baked Potato Topper: Spoon the warmed chicken and creamy sauce onto a fluffy, steaming spud for a comforting midday meal.
• Creamy Chicken Toast: Warm it and serve over thick-cut sourdough toast for an open-faced sandwich that feels gourmet.

Marry Me Chicken with Spinach Recipe 2025

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This creamy marry me chicken with spinach is tender, flavorful, and made with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and garlic. Crockpot or casserole ready!

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs

3 cups fresh baby spinach

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup parmesan cheese, grated

3 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup chicken broth

1 tsp Italian seasoning

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

1. Sear the chicken in oil for 2–3 minutes per side.

2. Place chicken, tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan in crockpot.

3. Pour in cream and broth, stir gently.

4. Cook on LOW 4–5 hours or HIGH 2.5–3 hours.

5. Add spinach in last 15 minutes, cover and let wilt.

6. Serve warm over pasta, potatoes, or rice.

Notes

Add spinach at the end to preserve its color and texture.

Taste before adding extra salt, parmesan is already salty.

Can be made ahead and frozen.

• Author: Ellie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker, Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Chicken breasts, sundried tomatoes, double cream, chicken cutlets, skinless chicken breasts, heavy cream

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Falling For

Whether you slow cook it on a weeknight or bake it into a bubbling casserole for Sunday dinner, marry me chicken with spinach is one of those recipes that brings people to the table and keeps them there.

It’s rich, creamy, just a little indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make. The spinach melts into the sauce, adding freshness and balance, while the sun-dried tomatoes give it that signature tang everyone remembers.

If you’ve been looking for the best marry me chicken recipe with spinach, this one’s ready to be your new favorite. Equally ideal for a snug night at home and impressive enough to serve guests.

So grab your skillet or crockpot, and let this flavorful dish do what it does best, win hearts, one bite at a time.

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FAQ: Marry Me Chicken with Spinach