Marry Me Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Have you ever walked through your front door after a long day, craving something that’s both comforting and impressive enough to make you feel like you’ve treated yourself? That’s exactly what this Marry Me Chicken Casserole delivers. This dish earned its charming name because it’s supposedly so delicious that serving it might just prompt a marriage proposal! Whether that’s true or not, one thing’s certain – this creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious sauce that creates pure magic in every bite.

The beautiful aroma of garlic and herbs that fills your kitchen as this Marry Me Chicken Casserole bakes is just the beginning. Each forkful delivers the perfect balance of creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and savory chicken that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Best of all, this hearty marry me chicken casserole with vegetables comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Casserole

For this creamy chicken casserole with pasta and spinach, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds chicken cutlets
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta (or penne, rotini, or farfalle)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 12 ounces frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed dry, and roughly chopped
• ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Casserole – Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Season the chicken cutlets with Italian seasoning and kosher salt on both sides.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
5. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
7. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions call for (it will continue cooking in the oven).
8. Drain the pasta and set aside.
9. In the same large skillet used for the chicken, heat the butter and sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat.
10. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
11. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to eliminate any lumps.
12. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
13. Add the cubed cream cheese and 1½ cups of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
14. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and drained spinach.
15. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed with additional salt and pepper.
16. Combine the cooked pasta and diced chicken with the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
17. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
18. In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
19. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
20. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
21. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken Casserole

• Want to make this easy marry me chicken and rice bake instead? Simply substitute 2 cups of cooked rice for the pasta.
• For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Add a kick of heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
• Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen – just sauté about 1 pound of fresh spinach until wilted before adding to the sauce.
• Make this comforting chicken casserole with garlic and herbs even more aromatic by adding 4-5 minced garlic cloves when making the sauce.
• For meal prep, assemble everything but don’t bake – cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time).

Best Ways to Serve Marry Me Chicken Casserole

This Marry Me Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up that incredible sauce
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
• A glass of medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions in shallow bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and an extra dusting of freshly grated Parmesan.

Nutritional Information for Marry Me Chicken Casserole

(Per serving, approximately 1/8 of the casserole)

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 3g

Storage & Leftovers

This Marry Me Chicken Casserole keeps wonderfully as leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

What’s the best cheese to use in Marry Me Chicken Casserole?

Parmesan gives this dish its classic flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses. Try half Parmesan and half mozzarella for more stretch, or add some Gruyère for a nutty flavor profile.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Marry Me Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 4 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it directly to the sauce.

How do I make a gluten-free version of Marry Me Chicken Casserole?

Substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping as well.

The Magic of Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply looking to bring some comfort to your weeknight routine, this Marry Me Chicken Casserole delivers on all fronts. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

The next time you’re craving something truly satisfying, give this Marry Me Chicken Casserole a try. It might not actually prompt a marriage proposal, but it will certainly earn you plenty of compliments and recipe requests! Share your experience making this dish in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next special occasion or cozy night in.

What’s your favorite way to customize this Marry Me Chicken Casserole? Do you add extra vegetables, different cheeses, or your own special touch? We’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!

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