Good Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake in 45 Min

Okay, so listen up, because I’m about to let you in on a *serious* comfort food secret: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake. Seriously, the name alone should tell you something! This isn’t just any pasta bake; it’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone begging for seconds (and maybe even a ring, haha!).

It’s got everything you could possibly want: tender chicken, juicy sun-dried tomatoes, a *crazy* creamy sauce, and, of course, tons of cheese. I first had something like this at a friend’s potluck, and I swear, I practically inhaled the whole thing. I knew I had to recreate it, and trust me, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake version is even better. Get ready to fall in love!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Seriously, where do I even begin? Apart from the fact that it tastes like an absolute dream, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake is just *so* easy to make. It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s guaranteed to be a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can totally make it your own!

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

I’m all about quick dinners, especially on busy weeknights, right? This recipe is ready in under an hour! Prep is a breeze, and the oven does most of the work. Winner, winner, chicken pasta dinner!

Creamy and Flavorful

Oh, that sauce! It’s ridiculously creamy and packed with flavor thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. Seriously, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. You’ll want to lick the plate clean, trust me.

Crowd-Pleasing Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

This is the *perfect* dish to bring to a potluck or serve to a hungry crowd. Kids and adults alike go crazy for it. It’s a guaranteed hit, and you’ll be the star of the show!

Easily Customizable

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach – whatever you like. You can also swap out the cheese or use a different protein. It’s *your* Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake, after all!

Ingredients for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Alright, gather ’round, because before we dive into making this amazing Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake, you’re gonna need the goods! Don’t skimp on the quality – it makes a *huge* difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Creamy Sauce

• ½ cup (that’s 1 stick!) of butter
• ½ cup of flour – just plain ol’ all-purpose flour, nothing fancy
• 4 cups of whole milk – makes it extra creamy, but you can use 2% if you’re feeling virtuous
• 2 ½ cups of 2% milk (or chicken broth if you’re feeling extra savory!)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard – adds a little *oomph*!
• 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg – trust me on this, it’s a game changer!
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt (or more to taste!)
• ½ cup (about 50g) Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated – seriously, the pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same!

For the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

• 1 lb (450g) dried pasta – I like penne or rigatoni, but use whatever you love!
• 1 tsp salt – for the pasta water, gotta season it!
• 2 tsp butter – to toss with the cooked pasta, keeps it from sticking
• 3 cups (420g) cooked chicken – rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease, or leftover roast chicken works great too!
• 3 cups (90g) baby spinach, chopped – don’t worry, it wilts down a ton!
• 1/3 cup (100g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – the kind packed in oil are the best!
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – for topping!
• 2 tbsp Gruyere cheese, coarsely grated – adds a nutty, melty goodness!

Garnish

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley, to garnish – makes it look all fancy and fresh!

How to Prepare the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Okay, here’s the fun part! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake in no time.

Make the Creamy Sauce for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

First, grab a big skillet and melt that butter over low heat. Once it’s all melty and delicious-smelling, sprinkle in the flour. Now, whisk, whisk, whisk! You want to make a smooth paste – that’s your roux. Cook it for a minute or two, stirring constantly, so it doesn’t burn. Now, slowly pour in the milk, whisking like crazy so you don’t get any lumps! Keep whisking and cooking until the sauce thickens up – this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nice and thick, take it off the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Then, throw in that glorious Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s all melted and smooth. Set aside a couple cups of this sauce, you’ll need it later to top the bake! Mmm, doesn’t that smell amazing?

Cook the Pasta

While you’re making the sauce, get a big pot of water boiling. Add a generous pinch of salt – it really does make a difference! Then, toss in your pasta and cook it until it’s *almost* done – we want it al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. That’s usually about 2 minutes less than what the package directions say. Drain the pasta really well, and then toss it with a little butter to keep it from sticking together.

Assemble and Bake Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Alright, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (9×13 inch is perfect) with butter – don’t skimp, you don’t want your pasta bake to stick! Sprinkle a little bit of cheese on the bottom too, why not? Now, in a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the creamy sauce (remember, not the sauce you set aside!), the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss everything together until it’s all evenly coated in that luscious sauce. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, and spread it out evenly. Now, pour that reserved creamy sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the Parmesan and Gruyere cheese. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving – this helps it set up a bit. Then, sprinkle with chopped parsley and get ready to dig in!

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but here are a few extra tricks to make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake *absolutely* perfect! Trust me, these little things make a big difference.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Seriously, this is *so* important! You want your pasta al dente, which means it should still be a little firm. It’s going to keep cooking in the oven, so if you overcook it now, it’ll be mushy later. Nobody wants mushy pasta!

Use High-Quality Cheese

I know it can be tempting to grab the pre-shredded stuff, but trust me on this one – freshly grated Parmesan and Gruyere make a *huge* difference in flavor. They melt better, too! It’s worth the extra effort, promise!

Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking

Is the sauce too thick? Add a splash of milk! Too thin? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up. Don’t be afraid to play around with it until it’s *exactly* how you like it. That’s the beauty of cooking, right?

Variations for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Okay, so you’ve mastered the original, right? Now it’s time to get a little wild and make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake *your* own! The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Add Different Vegetables

Seriously, this is where you can get creative! Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor; bell peppers bring a little sweetness and crunch; and zucchini is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Just sauté them up before adding them to the pasta bake!

Use Different Cheese

Parmesan and Gruyere are amazing, but why stop there? Mozzarella will give you that classic, melty stretch; provolone adds a slightly smoky flavor; and fontina is just pure, creamy goodness. Mix and match to find your perfect cheese combo!

Make it Spicy

Feeling a little fiery? A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick, or go bold with a dash of cayenne pepper. You could even use a spicy marinara sauce to really turn up the heat! Just be careful not to overdo it – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake, but what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Keep it simple; the pasta bake is the star of the show, after all!

Simple Green Salad

A light and refreshing green salad is the *perfect* complement to the richness of the pasta bake. Just some mixed greens, a simple vinaigrette, and maybe a few cherry tomatoes. Boom! Balance achieved. For a great homemade dressing, check out this zesty lemon vinaigrette recipe.

Garlic Bread

Okay, let’s be real, who can resist garlic bread? Especially when there’s that creamy sauce just begging to be soaked up! Grab a crusty loaf, slather it with garlic butter, and bake it until golden brown. You won’t regret it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

So, you’ve made this amazing Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake, but somehow you have leftovers? (I’m impressed!) Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for round two.

Storing Leftovers

Easy peasy! Just pop any leftover pasta bake into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to three days. Just try not to eat it all in one sitting, okay?

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for more, you can reheat it in the oven (350°F/175°C until warmed through – about 15-20 minutes) or in the microwave (just be careful not to overcook it!). I like to add a little sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for extra melty goodness. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this ridiculously delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Totally! I usually go for penne or rigatoni because they grab all that yummy sauce, but you can use pretty much any pasta shape you like. Bowties (farfalle) or even rotini would work great. Just make sure you cook it al dente!

Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?

You bet! You can assemble the whole thing (up to the point of baking) and then cover it tightly with foil and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Easy peasy!

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake?

Okay, so this one’s a little tricky. Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing it. The sauce can sometimes get a little weird after thawing, and the pasta might get a bit mushy. Check out the “Notes” section – I mentioned it there too! It’s always best fresh!

Nutritional Information for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

Okay, so here’s the deal – I’m not a nutritionist, but I can give you a *rough* estimate of the nutritional info for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake. We’re talking calories, fat, protein, carbs, the whole shebang! Just remember, it’s an estimate, okay?

Rate this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

So, what did you think? Did this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake steal your heart? Leave a comment below and let me know! And hey, if you loved it, share it with your friends on social media! They’ll thank you for it!

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