FIRST STEP: SEASON AND COOK THE CHICKEN

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This will ensure the chicken is flavorful all the way through.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest the Chicken: After cooking the chicken, transfer it to a plate and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE PASTA

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt and then the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Toss the Pasta: Drizzle a little olive oil over the cooked pasta and toss it to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

THIRD STEP: MAKE THE CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
3. Stir in the Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and full of savory flavor.

FOURTH STEP: COMBINE THE CHICKEN AND PASTA

1. Add the Chicken: Once the sauce is ready, add the sliced chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the creamy sauce. Let the chicken heat through for about 2 minutes.
2. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more pasta water to loosen it up.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish the Dish: Once everything is well combined and heated through, plate the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Serve: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s still warm and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness.