Creamy Marry-Me Chicken Pasta Bake
Introduction
Sometimes the best recipes come from a simple request. When my boyfriend asked for this dish, I had never even heard of it—but after tracking down a version and trying it myself, I understood the hype immediately. It turned out incredibly tasty, rich, and comforting. Safe to say, it’s earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation.
Description
This Creamy Marry-Me Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender, seasoned chicken with a velvety cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta. Baked until bubbly and golden on top, it delivers a savory, slightly tangy, and luxuriously creamy flavor in every bite. It’s cozy, indulgent, and completely crave-worthy.
Ingredients Quantity (Serves 4–6)
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs), diced
12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes until smooth.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble: Transfer mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs before serving.
Origin and Cultural Significance
“Marry-Me Chicken” became popular through American food blogs and social media, earning its playful name because the dish is supposedly so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal. While not rooted in traditional Italian cuisine, it draws inspiration from Italian-American flavors—cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs—blended into a comforting baked pasta format that reflects modern home cooking trends.
Optional Additions
Red pepper flakes for gentle heat
Spinach stirred into the sauce for added greens
Crispy bacon bits for smoky depth
Mushrooms sautéed with the garlic
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version
Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep it al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
Let It Rest: Allow 5–10 minutes after baking for easier serving.
Season in Layers: Taste and adjust salt throughout cooking.
Balance the Richness: A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 620–680
Protein: 40g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
(Values vary depending on exact ingredients and portions.)
Conclusion
This dish proves that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to delicious discoveries. Creamy, savory, and satisfying, it’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Recommendation
Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad. It’s perfect for date nights at home, family dinners, or whenever you want something that feels both indulgent and heartwarming.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Comfort food doesn’t have to mean overindulgence. Use moderate portions, add vegetables, or lighten the dairy slightly to create balance. Food is meant to nourish both body and relationships—and this dish does exactly that.
If this sounds as irresistible as it tasted for us, I’ll gladly accept a simple “Yum.”
