Introduction
There’s food, and then there’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta. You know, the kind of dish that’s so comforting and delicious, it makes you want to make it for every special occasion. The kind that brings people together, and if you’re lucky, might even make someone propose (okay, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea). This creamy, flavorful pasta featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, garlic-heavy, creamy sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this is it.
Let me take you back to the first time I made this dish. It was a random Tuesday night, and I had zero plans to make anything special for dinner. But I’d recently come across a recipe for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and the idea of creating something so decadent had me intrigued. I didn’t think much of it at first—just a fun, easy recipe to try out. But as I was cooking, the smell in my kitchen was irresistible. The garlic, the herbs, the creamy sauce—it all started to come together in a way that I knew would leave me hooked.
By the time I took the first bite, I was in love. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this. So many people I’ve shared it with have said the same thing: It’s the dish you make when you want to impress, when you want to indulge, and most importantly, when you want to feel something with food. Trust me, this one will have you swooning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just a simple weeknight dinner—this is comfort in every bite. But here’s why it’s extra special:
Easy to make: You don’t need to be a professional chef to pull this one off. In less than 45 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, rich pasta dinner that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s made with simple ingredients, too, which means you can make it on a busy weeknight or for a weekend date night.
Family-friendly: The combination of chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic sauce makes this meal a hit with both kids and adults. You can’t go wrong with a recipe that has a bit of everything—savory chicken, tender pasta, and a sauce that is to die for.
Rich in flavor: The sauce alone is a dream. It’s creamy and garlicky with just the right amount of herbs, while the chicken is juicy and tender. The pasta serves as the perfect vessel to carry all that delicious flavor. Trust me, every bite is a treat!
Now, I’m sure you’re wondering what exactly makes this recipe so “special.” Let me tell you—it’s all about that creamy garlic sauce. It’s smooth, savory, and just a little tangy, with the perfect balance of seasonings. Plus, that touch of Parmesan adds the right amount of umami to the dish. But it’s not just the sauce that makes this pasta irresistible; it’s the combination of all the elements working together. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich sauce that ties everything together.
This dish has become a go-to in my house for those nights when you want something fancy without a ton of fuss. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for impressing guests, but also perfect for just kicking back and enjoying with your family.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (this adds a little zing!)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Pasta:
12 oz pasta (I recommend fettuccine or penne, but any pasta you love will work)
Salt for pasta water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels, then rub them with olive oil. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. I like to use a good amount of seasoning here to ensure the chicken really absorbs all the flavors.
Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (165°F internally). You want to get a nice sear on the chicken, which adds so much flavor.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes while you prepare the sauce. Don’t worry if there are brown bits stuck to the pan—those are flavor goldmines and will add depth to your sauce!
- Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, and once it’s sizzling, throw in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to a minute, or until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.
Next, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Scrape up any brown bits left from the chicken—they’ll dissolve into the sauce and make it extra flavorful. Let the broth simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Now, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, oregano, and basil. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for another 4-5 minutes until it thickens up. You’ll be left with a creamy, smooth sauce that’s irresistible. If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt your pasta water generously—this will infuse the pasta with flavor. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This starchy water can be used to help thicken the sauce or to loosen it up if needed. - Combine Everything
Once the pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that dreamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and add them to the pasta, tossing everything together to combine. - Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the pasta in bowls or on plates, making sure each serving gets a generous portion of that creamy sauce and chicken.
How to Serve
Here’s how I love to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
Serve the pasta as-is for a satisfying, filling meal, or pair it with a crisp side salad to balance out the richness.
Add a slice of garlic bread or a baguette on the side to soak up the extra sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave any of it behind!
Top with extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of luxury.
Additional Tips
Don’t Skip the Resting Time for the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep the juices inside. Cutting into it too soon can result in a dry chicken breast.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic makes all the difference in this dish. It gives the sauce an incredible depth of flavor that pre-minced garlic just can’t match.
Adjust the Cream to Your Liking: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, but it may change the richness of the sauce.
Make It Spicy: Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while making the sauce for a spicy twist.
Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, the pasta will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream to bring it back to life.
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and opt for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Toss them with the creamy sauce for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
Add Bacon: If you’re a bacon lover, cook up some crispy turkey or beef bacon to crumble on top for a salty, smoky crunch.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a burst of citrusy freshness.
Freezing and Storage
If you have leftovers (or just want to meal prep), here’s how to store them:
Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freeze: You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then gently heat on the stove, adding a bit more cream to help the sauce come back together.
Special Equipment
Large Skillet: A deep, wide skillet helps you cook the chicken and make the sauce all in one pan.
Tongs: These are perfect for turning the chicken and mixing the pasta into the sauce without breaking the noodles.
Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a lot more flavor than the pre-grated stuff!
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and then just cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use store-bought chicken breasts? Absolutely! Just make sure to season them well to give them flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free? You can try substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream and using dairy-free Parmesan alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (this adds a little zing!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels, then rub them with olive oil. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. I like to use a good amount of seasoning here to ensure the chicken really absorbs all the flavors.
Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (165°F internally). You want to get a nice sear on the chicken, which adds so much flavor.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes while you prepare the sauce. Don’t worry if there are brown bits stuck to the pan—those are flavor goldmines and will add depth to your sauce!
2. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, and once it’s sizzling, throw in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to a minute, or until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.
Next, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Scrape up any brown bits left from the chicken—they’ll dissolve into the sauce and make it extra flavorful. Let the broth simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Now, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, oregano, and basil. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for another 4-5 minutes until it thickens up. You’ll be left with a creamy, smooth sauce that’s irresistible. If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
3. Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt your pasta water generously—this will infuse the pasta with flavor. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This starchy water can be used to help thicken the sauce or to loosen it up if needed.
4. Combine Everything
Once the pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that dreamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and add them to the pasta, tossing everything together to combine.
5. Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the pasta in bowls or on plates, making sure each serving gets a generous portion of that creamy sauce and chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited to try Marry Me Chicken Pasta as I was the first time I made it. Trust me, this is one of those dishes that’s guaranteed to impress, whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special date night. I can’t wait to hear what you think! If you make this dish, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your version of this delicious meal!
