“Marry Me” Chicken Pasta

There’s something irresistibly romantic about the name “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta—and once you taste it, you’ll understand why. This creamy, savory dish is said to be so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal. And honestly? I believe it.

Growing up, creamy pasta dishes were always a sign of celebration in my family—birthdays, anniversaries, or just a Friday night when we wanted something cozy. This recipe brings that same celebratory feel to your table in under an hour. It’s got golden, juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, mustard, Parmesan, and fresh basil.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply indulging in a hearty, flavor-packed dinner, this pasta is a guaranteed winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Romantic and comforting – creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
• One-pan magic – minimal cleanup, maximum reward.
• Customizable – choose your favorite pasta, herbs, or spice level.
• Perfect year-round – hearty enough for winter, light enough for summer.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken fillets
• 400g pasta (penne or fettuccine work great)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 200ml heavy cream
• 60g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Large pot for pasta
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spatula
• Strainer

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken fillets on both sides with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside to rest.

2. Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan used for the chicken, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until softened and aromatic.

Pour in the heavy cream and add the wholegrain mustard. Stir to combine, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Assemble the Dish

Add the drained pasta to the pan with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat every strand of pasta. Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the pan. Toss again to combine.

5. Add Cheese & Herbs

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts into the sauce and the basil adds its fresh, herby aroma.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, ideally with a slice of garlic bread or a crisp green salad on the side. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: Add sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, or roasted red peppers for depth and color.
• Cheese swap: Pecorino Romano or Asiago are delicious alternatives to Parmesan.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half the cream with milk or use a light cooking cream.
• Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs offer a juicier option.

What to Serve With “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta

• Garlic bread: For soaking up that luscious sauce.
• Caesar salad: Crisp and tangy contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Roasted veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans pair beautifully.
• A chilled white wine: Like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Storage & Reheating

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Avoid freezing as cream-based sauces may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the full dish, refrigerate, and reheat gently with added cream or milk to restore the sauce.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, linguine, rigatoni—all work beautifully.

Is “Marry Me” Chicken spicy?

Only if you include the red pepper flakes! You can skip them for a milder version.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—swap the chicken for roasted mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth in the sauce if you want extra depth.

Final Thoughts

“Marry Me” Chicken Pasta is more than just a trendy recipe—it’s a heartfelt dish that brings people together. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with ingredients that feel indulgent yet easy to find. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner for two or serving a table full of hungry guests, this recipe guarantees empty plates and second servings.

From its name to its flavor, it’s the kind of dish that speaks love—with every bite.

The Goods

“Marry Me” Chicken Pasta

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Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—this “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta is a one-pan dinner that’s easy, elegant, and absolutely irresistible.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine American

Recipes

• 4 chicken fillets
• 400 g pasta penne or fettuccine work great
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 onion chopped
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 60 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

• Season the chicken fillets on both sides with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside to rest.

Boil the Pasta

• While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same pan used for the chicken, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
• Pour in the heavy cream and add the wholegrain mustard. Stir to combine, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble the Dish

• Add the drained pasta to the pan with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat every strand of pasta. Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the pan. Toss again to combine.

Add Cheese & Herbs

• Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts into the sauce and the basil adds its fresh, herby aroma.

Serve and Enjoy

• Serve hot, ideally with a slice of garlic bread or a crisp green salad on the side. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.