This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that will win over any dinner guest. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxuriously creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, it’s hard to resist. The pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors, while the baked golden top adds a perfect crunch. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish combines the heartiness of chicken with the rich creaminess of a well-balanced pasta sauce. The addition of fresh basil and parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, making it both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and oregano. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring until fully combined with the creamy sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil and parsley. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 650 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Background and Origins
The idea behind this dish is simple: it’s a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that incorporates succulent chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, seasoned with aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano. It draws inspiration from classic Italian dishes such as Chicken Alfredo and baked ziti but adds a unique twist with the inclusion of sun-dried tomatoes and the richness of Parmesan. Over time, home cooks and food bloggers have adapted the original recipe, adding their own spins to make it even more irresistible.
The concept of baking pasta with a creamy sauce is rooted in Italian cuisine. Baked pasta dishes have been around for centuries, with dishes like lasagna and ziti being staples in many Italian households. The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake takes these traditional elements and simplifies them for a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- Ease of Preparation
One of the biggest advantages of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find and relatively inexpensive, making this dish accessible for home cooks of all levels. The entire meal can be prepared and baked in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, meaning less cleanup! - Perfect Balance of Flavors
What truly sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors. The creamy Parmesan sauce offers richness and depth, while the sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy, slightly sweet contrast. The chicken adds heartiness, making it a satisfying and complete meal. Fresh basil and parsley give the dish a final touch of brightness, ensuring that each bite is a harmonious blend of savory, creamy, and fresh. - Customizable to Your Taste
This recipe is extremely versatile and can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Want to add more veggies? Toss in some spinach or roasted bell peppers. Looking to make it healthier? Substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like Greek yogurt or half-and-half, or use whole wheat pasta for a boost of fiber. You can even swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a seafood or vegetarian option. - Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
This pasta bake is perfect for serving a crowd. It’s hearty enough to feed a large family or small gathering, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking to bring a dish to a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as enjoyable as the freshly baked dish. - Nutritious Ingredients
While this dish is indulgent, it also includes nutritious ingredients like chicken, which is a great source of lean protein. The sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its heart-health benefits. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley not only elevate the flavor but also add vitamins and minerals. By balancing indulgent ingredients with healthy ones, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and nutrition.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Cook Pasta Al Dente
Be sure to cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. Overcooking the pasta beforehand can result in a mushy texture once it’s baked. Aim for a slightly firm bite when draining your pasta to ensure the best final texture. - Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil and parsley elevate the flavor of this dish and add a pop of color. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for the most vibrant flavor. - Don’t Skimp on the Cheese
The Parmesan cheese is a key player in this recipe, adding not only creaminess but also a salty, nutty flavor that brings the entire dish together. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can add a layer of mozzarella on top before baking for an extra cheesy, golden-brown finish. - Get Creative with Add-Ins
This dish serves as a great base for customization. Add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to the mix to boost the vegetable content. You can also mix in different types of cheese, such as fontina or Gruyère, for a unique flavor twist.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
While the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake is definitely a treat, it still offers some noteworthy health benefits:
- High in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall energy levels. If you’re trying to maintain a balanced diet, this dish provides a solid amount of protein, especially when paired with whole grain pasta. - Rich in Antioxidants
Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. They also offer a concentrated source of vitamins C and K, important for immune function and bone health. - Healthy Fats from Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and garlic, providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels, making this dish more balanced. - Fresh Herbs for Added Nutrients
The fresh basil and parsley not only enhance the flavor but are also nutrient powerhouses. Basil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supporting bone health and boosting immunity.
Perfect for All Occasions
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner at home, a family meal, or just craving comfort food, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake fits the bill. It’s a dish that satisfies on every level: it’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor. Best of all, it’s a meal that feels special without requiring hours of preparation. The name alone adds an element of fun, making it a conversation starter at any gathering.
The flexibility of this recipe also means it can easily be adjusted to suit your needs. Whether you want to make it healthier, cater to a vegetarian diet, or simply add more ingredients for variety, this dish is the perfect canvas for experimentation.
Conclusion
In a world of fast-paced lifestyles and busy schedules, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake offers the best of both worlds: a delicious, comforting meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory sun-dried tomatoes will leave your taste buds singing and your heart full. Try this recipe the next time you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, and who knows—maybe it will become a new tradition in your household!
