Hey y’all! If you’re craving a creamy, dreamy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole has tender chicken, a velvety sauce, and a cheesy baked top—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even date night! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole
- This casserole is bursting with savory, creamy flavor in every bite.
- It comes together with everyday ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or for easy meal prepping.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes.
- Bakes up golden, cheesy, and irresistible every single time.
Ingredients for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts), diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 oz penne pasta (about 2 1/2 cups), cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for topping)
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly golden on the outside and just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in sour cream and 1 cup mozzarella cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and chopped fresh basil. Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Spread mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra basil and serve hot!
Notes for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole
- For extra creaminess, add a splash more cream or a dollop of cream cheese. Learn more about choosing quality dairy here.
- Swap penne for rotini or fusilli if preferred—any short pasta works well.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add tang and depth, but you can use roasted red peppers for a twist.
Variations on Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole
- Low-Carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower florets.
- Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or stir in a few tablespoons of hot sauce.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for more veggies.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Cutting board and knife
- Colander (for pasta)
Storage Instructions for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight and bake to refresh.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette.
- Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for a cozy meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole
- Undercook your pasta by 1-2 minutes before baking for perfect al dente texture. Read more on pasta cooking techniques.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese can be less creamy.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to set the creamy layers!
FAQ: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole
- Can I make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to enjoy.
- Can I substitute the heavy cream?
- You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.
- What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
- Roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms make delicious swaps for sun-dried tomatoes.
For more nutritional information, check out EatRight.org for healthy eating tips!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
-
2Season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
-
3In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
-
4Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken in the casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
-
5Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!