Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta

 Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of cozy dinner that makes everyone gather around the table. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan come together in one bubbling casserole that feels special without requiring a long ingredient list.

The pasta absorbs the rich, savory sauce while the chicken stays tender and juicy. A golden layer of Parmesan on top gives the finished bake just the right amount of cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
• ¾ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

This recipe uses exactly 5 main ingredients. Optional salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning may be added to taste but are not counted.

How to Make Oven Baked Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water until just shy of al dente according to the package directions. Drain well.

The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking it at this stage.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Place the bite-size chicken pieces in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the outside is lightly browned and the chicken is nearly cooked through.

Because the chicken will finish cooking in the oven, it does not need to be completely finished at this stage.

For food safety, chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest pieces before serving.

3. Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

4. Add the Parmesan

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.

The cheese will melt into a golden, savory crust while the casserole bakes.

5. Bake

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the Parmesan is lightly golden.

If desired, place it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end for a deeper golden top. Watch closely so the cheese does not burn.

Let the pasta rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better during baking.
• Cut the chicken evenly so the pieces cook at the same rate.
• Drain the sun-dried tomatoes well to keep the sauce from becoming excessively oily.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan when possible for the smoothest melting and best flavor.
• Don’t skip the short resting period. It allows the creamy sauce to thicken slightly.

Easy Variations

For a little extra flavor, add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or black pepper if you don’t need to keep the recipe strictly five ingredients.

You can also use rotini, rigatoni, or another short pasta instead of penne. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This rich pasta bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli.

Garlic bread, toasted French bread, or roasted vegetables are also excellent choices for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions, covered, in a 325°F oven until heated through. Add a small splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Replace the raw chicken with about 3 cups shredded or chopped cooked rotisserie chicken. Add it directly when combining the pasta and sauce, then reduce the covered baking time since the chicken is already cooked.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or bow-tie pasta all work well. Choose a sturdy shape that can hold the creamy sauce.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add some extra baking time if it goes directly from the refrigerator into the oven.

Why is my pasta dry after baking?

Pasta continues absorbing sauce as it bakes. Make sure the pasta is not overcooked before baking and that it is thoroughly coated with the Alfredo sauce before going into the oven.

Final Thoughts

Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings together five simple ingredients for an irresistibly creamy and comforting family dinner. Tender chicken, hearty pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, and Parmesan create a bubbling casserole that is easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company.

With minimal prep and plenty of creamy, cheesy flavor, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again whenever you’re craving an easy oven-baked comfort meal.