Have you ever wondered what dish could make someone fall in love at first bite? Look no further than the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake. This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and topped with crispy golden panko. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients and Preparation Steps
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained & chopped
- 4 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar, divided
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1 tsp salt. Heat 2 tbsp of sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), about 10-15 minutes. Slice and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil until softened. Add the white wine, tomato paste, and half of the sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until reduced, then stir in butter and flour to form a roux.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Gradually whisk in the reserved pasta water and whole milk, stirring until thickened. Add spinach, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1 1/2 tsp salt, letting it wilt. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping
Toast the panko in a skillet with 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning until golden brown. Sprinkle the pasta with the remaining sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, and toasted panko.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!
The Best Time to Enjoy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake
There’s never a wrong time to indulge in this creamy, cheesy pasta bake! Serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner, a special date night dish, or even as the star of your Sunday family gathering. Pair it with a side of homemade Italian bread and a refreshing glass of golden milk for a complete meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While penne works great, you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or any pasta that holds sauce well.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for mushrooms or roasted cauliflower, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
55 minutes
Servings
6
Category
Comfort food
This ultra-creamy, cheesy chicken pasta bake is loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and a crispy, golden panko topping. A comforting, flavor-packed dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredient
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 4 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar, divided
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (5 oz) package baby spinach
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- First, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and transfer pasta to an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Next, season chicken with black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1 tsp salt. Heat 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through (165°F), about 10-15 minutes. Let rest, then thinly slice and add to pasta.
- After that, heat 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil in the same skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes. Add butter and flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Gradually stir in pasta water and milk, cooking until smooth.
- Then, add spinach, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and remaining salt. Stir until wilted. Remove from heat, then mix in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan until melted. Pour over pasta and stir well.
- Meanwhile, toast panko with 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning in a skillet until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Finally, top pasta with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted panko. Bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with basil and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 565
- Fat: 23g
- Carbs: 41g
- Protein: 43g
Pro Tips
For extra creaminess, swap half the milk with heavy cream. This will make the sauce even richer!
Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake
Want to take your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake to the next level? Follow these expert tips to ensure the perfect dish every time!
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Grate mozzarella and Parmesan fresh for the best texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Toast the panko properly: Toasting the breadcrumbs before adding them ensures they stay crispy and golden after baking.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy water helps create a velvety sauce, binding everything together.
- Let the bake rest: Give the dish 5 minutes to set before serving for the perfect creamy consistency.
- Customize with add-ins: Want more protein? Add cooked shrimp or turkey. Looking for extra greens? Toss in kale or roasted bell peppers.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake while keeping it delicious.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Oven Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave Reheating: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Perfect Pairings for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake
Complete your meal with these delicious pairings that enhance the flavors of this creamy, cheesy dish.
- Homemade Italian Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Butternut Squash Soup – A warm and cozy starter.
- Golden Milk – A soothing drink to balance the richness.
- Pistachio Torte – A light yet indulgent dessert to finish the meal.
Now that you have this incredible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake recipe, it’s time to bring it to life in your kitchen! Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy panko topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Want to make it even more special? Try serving it with a side of homemade Italian bread and a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup. And if you’re in the mood for dessert, a slice of pistachio torte will be the perfect sweet ending!
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! What did you love about it? Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Happy cooking!