Marry Me Chicken Casserole Recipe

This creamy, savory Marry Me Chicken Casserole is made with sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and pasta, ready in just 40 minutes. The rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce bubbles around the pasta while the mozzarella topping turns golden brown in the oven. I find this baked version much easier for feeding a crowd than the traditional skillet meal.

Why This Classic Works

I used to make the standard skillet version of this dish all the time. Converting it into a baked pasta casserole means less active standing at the stove.

I quickly learned that undercooking the pasta by two minutes is essential. It absorbs the rich cream sauce in the oven without becoming mushy.

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Marry Me Chicken Casserole Ingredients

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How To Make Marry Me Chicken Casserole

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the penne in salted water until 2 minutes shy of al dente, then drain.
2. Build Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
3. Simmer Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the Parmesan, shredded chicken, spinach, and drained pasta until the spinach wilts.
5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Recipe Tips

• Shredded chicken shortcut: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to cut your prep time in half.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Buy the ones packed in oil for the best flavor, and use a teaspoon of that oil to sauté the garlic.
• Cheese grating: Always grate your mozzarella from a block so it melts smoothly without clumping.

What To Serve With Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Garlic bread is also excellent for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.

How To Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. I do not recommend freezing this casserole because the cream sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken?

Yes, dice and cook 1.5 pounds of chicken breast in the skillet before making the sauce.

What pasta shape is best?

Any short, sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle holds the sauce perfectly.

Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth. You can omit them completely if you are sensitive to heat.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Protein: 38g

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• Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe
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• Chicken Green Bean Casserole Recipe