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Delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake served in a baking dish with fresh herbs.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake

A comforting and creamy pasta bake with tender chicken, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) Chicken can be substituted with turkey or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 teaspoon salt To taste.
  • 1 teaspoon pepper To taste.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Divided in use.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta, uncooked
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Optional.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded for topping
For Garnish
  • to taste fresh basil leaves For topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
  2. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, around 5-7 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain and set aside.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, sauce, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. Mix thoroughly, ensuring everything is well coated in the creamy goodness.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Garnishing and Serving
  1. Once your pasta bake is done, pull it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for optimal texture.