Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Introduction
Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that will impress anyone at your table. With just five main ingredients, this recipe combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, all baked together with pasta. It’s a simple way to create a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also delivers on flavor. The combination of chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce makes it a family favorite. Plus, it requires minimal cleanup, making it a great option for busy weeknights. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 (16 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the dish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the dish, then layer it with the bite-sized chicken pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, and water. Season with salt and pepper if desired, then pour this mixture over the pasta and chicken, stirring gently to combine.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- After 35 minutes, remove the foil, stir the mixture, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes.
- If you like a crispy top, broil for a few minutes at the end.
- Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish warm, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and presentation.
How to Store Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3–4 days. If you need to freeze it, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- You can use any short pasta you have on hand, such as penne or rigatoni.
- For added veggies, consider mixing in spinach or broccoli before baking.
- Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Variation
You can switch out the Alfredo sauce for a different type of sauce, like marinara, for a different flavor. Another option is to add diced bell peppers or zucchini for some extra nutrition and taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to adjust the baking time. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you are ready to cook it.
3. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes with fresh cherry tomatoes or omit them entirely for a simpler dish.
Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the dish, then layer it with the bite-sized chicken pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, and water. Season with salt and pepper if desired, then pour this mixture over the pasta and chicken, stirring gently to combine.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- After 35 minutes, remove the foil, stir the mixture, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- If you like a crispy top, broil for a few minutes at the end.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
