Dinner

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Byluca Carter April 16, 2026April 16, 2026

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a flavorful garlic cream sauce with a hint of spice, all tossed with your favorite pasta.

A close-up image of a white plate filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is short and tube-shaped, coated evenly in a smooth, light orange sauce. Scattered on top are pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken, with small green parsley leaves sprinkled over for color contrast. The sauce looks rich and slightly glossy, blending well with the chicken and pasta. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Finely chop the garlic and gather all the ingredients.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 5: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, until cooked through. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve the pasta and chicken on plates, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the cream and broth.
Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a brighter taste instead of dried oregano.
If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or add them gradually to taste.

Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier meat with a richer flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up of a gray rimmed white plate filled with creamy penne pasta topped with browned chunks of chicken and sprinkled with fresh green parsley. The pasta is light yellow with a smooth, creamy texture, while the chicken pieces are golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges, scattered evenly across the pasta. Small bits of parsley add a pop of green color on top. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with any pasta shape that holds sauce, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a bit of flour or cornstarch, but the sauce will be less rich. Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative but will change the flavor profile.