Are you ready to make a meal that might just win over hearts? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake is cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions! Trust me, as you whip this up, you’ll be dreaming of the smiles it will bring to the table! Let’s get started!

Cook Time: 55

Prep Time: 20

Yields: 6

Calories: 1130

Simple Ingredients for a Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Let’s gather our ingredients for this Marry Me Chicken pasta Bake! This dish combines the rich flavors of chicken, pasta, and cheese into a appetizing meal that’s sure to impress. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

12 ounces uncooked penne pasta: The star of the dish that holds all the flavors together.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein that complements the creamy sauce.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
2 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and pasta.
1 cup jarred julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of flavor and a hint of sweetness.
4 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar: Use this flavorful oil for sautéing.
1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion: Brings a savory sweetness to the mix.
6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced: garlic is a must in any savory dish!
1/3 cup dry white wine: Adds depth to the sauce (and enjoy a little while cooking!).
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and adds a rich tomato flavor.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For a creamy texture.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the sauce.
1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the dish.
1 package (5 ounces) fresh baby spinach: For a pop of color and nutrition.
2 cups shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese: The gooey topping that makes it all comforting.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For that extra cheesy goodness.
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Crispy topping to add crunch.
Fresh basil leaves: To garnish and add a fresh finish.

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to making this delicious bake!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Here’s how to bring this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake to life! Follow these steps closely for a delightful meal.

Preheat the Oven: start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).This ensures your dish bakes evenly.

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and transfer the pasta to a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C). Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly and add it to the pasta dish.

make the Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 6 minutes. Pour in the white wine, tomato paste, and 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes. Let this mixture cook until the liquid reduces by half, about 2 minutes.

Thicken the Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet until melted, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour slightly.Gradually add the reserved pasta water and whole milk, stirring until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the spinach, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and the rest of the salt. Cook until the spinach wilts. remove from heat and mix in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until melted. Pour this cheesy goodness over the pasta and chicken in the baking dish, mixing well.

Prepare the topping: In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and remaining Italian seasoning,cooking until they’re golden brown,about 2 minutes.

Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the pasta mixture with remaining 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes,1 cup mozzarella,and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Top with the crispy panko. bake it in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes,or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a beautiful finish, and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake!

This step-by-step guide should make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Happy cooking!

Serving and Storage Information for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Once you’ve made this delightful Marry Me Chicken pasta Bake, it’s time to enjoy! This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Here’s how to serve and store it:

Serving Suggestions

Portion Sizes: This recipe yields about 6 generous servings, making it ideal for larger families or meal prepping for the week. Serve each portion with a sprinkle of fresh basil for color and added flavor.
Pairing Ideas: To complete your meal, consider pairing this pasta bake with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. A light dressing on the salad can complement the richness of the pasta.
Dipping Sauce: If you enjoy a bit of extra flavor,a homemade garlic aioli or store-bought marinara can elevate the dish further. Just a small bowl on the side can make the experience even better.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers,store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. This pasta bake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze this dish.Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Reheating: To reheat, I recommend using the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with aluminum foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the cheesy goodness on top!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Marry Me chicken Pasta Bake

Cooking is all about experimenting,and I’m here to help you troubleshoot any bumps in the road while making this Marry Me chicken Pasta Bake. Here are some helpful notes and tips:

Common Issues and Solutions

Sauce Too Thick: If your sauce turns out too thick,you can thin it out by whisking in a bit more milk or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pasta Overcooked: If you accidentally overcook your pasta, don’t worry! This bake will still taste delicious. Just keep an eye on the baking time, and it might turn out creamier than you expect.
Cheese Not Melting: If your cheese isn’t melting as much as you’d like, it could be due to the oven temperature or the cheese itself. Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and consider using a higher moisture cheese, like fresh mozzarella, for better melting.

Tips for Success

Ingredient Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe! You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can really enhance the flavor. If you have thyme or oregano on hand, adding a bit can take this dish to the next level.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a unique twist.

I hope these tips and information help make your cooking experience enjoyable and stress-free! Happy cooking and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake!