Introduction
Discover the magic of comfort food with this deliciously rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a romantic evening, this dish combines tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, all baked to perfection. With the convenience of just five main ingredients, this oven-baked pasta is not only easy to make but will also have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (about 340 g) uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1.5 lb (about 680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 (16 oz / 2 cup) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided (about 4.5 oz)
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (optional, to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional, to taste)
- Nonstick cooking spray or a little olive oil for greasing the dish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a deep oval baking dish (about 3-quart capacity) with nonstick cooking spray or a thin film of olive oil.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Evenly scatter the bite-size pieces of raw chicken over the pasta.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of the grated Parmesan, and the water until smooth and well combined.
- Taste the sauce and if desired, season it with kosher salt and black pepper before whisking again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pasta and chicken in the baking dish. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir and smooth the top into an even layer.
- Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and place it on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes.
- Carefully remove the foil and stir the pasta well, scraping up any sauce from the corners.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
- If you wish, broil the dish on high for 1–2 minutes at the end for a deeper golden top, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently stir with a wooden spoon and serve straight from the baking dish, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes or Tips
For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. You can also mix in your favorite veggies, such as spinach or bell peppers, for a nutritious boost!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the art of baking pasta dishes can elevate your cooking game. This recipe showcases how layering ingredients can allow flavors to meld beautifully. The gentle baking technique helps the pasta absorb the sauce, resulting in a truly scrumptious meal!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any short pasta shapes you have on hand. Just remember to adjust your baking time if you choose a pasta that cooks differently.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, feel free to substitute lower-fat Alfredo sauce and use less cheese. You can also replace some chicken with additional vegetables for a lighter dish.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta will certainly steal the hearts of everyone at your table. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a comforting dish that’s bound to become a family favorite. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a delightful culinary experience that will leave your loved ones begging for the recipe!