Oven Baked 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This oven baked 5-ingredient marry me chicken pasta is the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that instantly becomes the most requested recipe at the table. Tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, pasta, and Parmesan cheese bake together in one dish until bubbling, golden, and irresistibly comforting.

Inspired by the wildly popular “marry me chicken” recipe, this simplified baked pasta version delivers all the rich, creamy flavor with minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients. Everything cooks together right in the baking dish, creating a silky sauce that coats every bite of pasta and chicken perfectly.

Whether you are hosting friends, feeding family on a busy weeknight, or looking for a comforting baked pasta dish that feels a little special, this easy chicken pasta bake checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 5 main ingredients
Easy one-dish oven meal
Rich, creamy, restaurant-style flavor
No need to boil the pasta separately
Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests
Comforting and incredibly satisfying

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 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Nonstick spray or olive oil for greasing the baking dish

How to Make Oven Baked Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a deep 3-quart baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add the Pasta

Pour the uncooked pasta directly into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Using dry pasta allows the entire meal to bake together in one dish without extra pots or boiling water.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Scatter the bite-size chicken pieces evenly over the pasta, keeping them mostly in a single layer so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, and water until smooth and combined.

Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper if desired.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the pasta and chicken. Stir gently to coat everything evenly and eliminate dry pockets of pasta.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

The trapped steam helps cook the pasta while keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Step 7: Add the Final Cheese Layer

Carefully remove the foil and stir the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the pasta rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and clings beautifully to the pasta.

Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, richest flavor.
Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Keep the foil tightly sealed during the first bake to properly cook the pasta.
Stir well after removing the foil so the sauce distributes evenly.
Broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end for an extra golden cheesy top.
Allow the dish to rest before serving for the creamiest texture.

Easy Variations

Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra tenderness.
Stir in baby spinach before the final bake for added greens.
Swap penne for rotini, cavatappi, or shells.
Replace part of the Alfredo sauce with chicken broth for a lighter version.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This creamy baked pasta pairs perfectly with fresh, crisp side dishes and warm bread. Serve it alongside:

Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Fresh arugula salad
Garlic bread
Warm baguette slices
Roasted broccoli or asparagus
Steamed green beans

For drinks, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pair beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

Storage and Reheating

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

Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Food Safety Tips

Use separate cutting boards for raw chicken and ready-to-eat foods.
Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw poultry.
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after baking.
Reheat leftovers thoroughly until steaming hot.

Final Thoughts

This oven baked 5-ingredient marry me chicken pasta is rich, creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. With tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Alfredo sauce, and bubbling Parmesan cheese, every bite feels cozy and indulgent.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or family gatherings, this easy baked pasta recipe delivers restaurant-style comfort food with simple ingredients and almost effortless preparation.