Name: Marry Me Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz uncooked egg noodles; 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided; ¼ cup butter; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped; ⅓ cup unbleached all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth or stock; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup sundried tomatoes, oil-packed and chopped; 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon chicken paste; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided; Torn fresh basil for topping

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If you’re hunting for a dish that feels like a warm embrace after a long day, look no further than the Marry Me Chicken Casserole. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with silky egg noodles, all coated in a dreamy, flavorful sauce bursting with sundried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and just a hint of spice. It’s hearty but elegant, a dish that’s both comforting and impressive enough to make anyone feel special—guaranteed to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Marry Me Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Marry Me Chicken Casserole lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each element plays a critical role, from the silky egg noodles that soak up every luscious drop of sauce, to the aromatic thyme and garlic that elevate the flavors beautifully.

6 oz uncooked egg noodles: These provide the perfect tender base that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided): Used for cooking and adding a rich, fruity undertone.
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cooked until juicy and tender.
¼ cup butter: Adds creaminess and depth to the sauce.
2 shallots (finely chopped): Offers a mild onion flavor that mellows perfectly when cooked.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with unmistakable warmth and aroma.
½ tsp red pepper flakes: Brings a subtle kick to balance out the creaminess.
2 tsp fresh thyme (chopped): A fresh herb that brightens every bite.
⅓ cup unbleached all-purpose flour: Essential for creating that luscious, thickened sauce.
2 cups chicken broth (or stock): Adds savory richness and body to the sauce.
1 cup whole milk: Gives the casserole a creamy, comforting texture.
½ cup sundried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped): Adds tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
1 tsp Better Than Bouillon chicken paste: A concentrated flavor booster for deep, savory notes.
½ tsp salt: Enhances every flavor without overwhelming.
¼ tsp pepper: Adds subtle heat and seasoning precision.
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese: Incorporated both inside and as a golden topping for that irresistible crust.
Torn fresh basil for topping: Freshness in every bite and a pop of vibrant green.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your egg noodles until al dente. Rinse them under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and keep them from getting mushy later. This step ensures your casserole has that perfect texture—not too soft, not too firm.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook them until they turn opaque and are no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, set the chicken aside. This technique locks in juiciness and builds the foundation of flavor for the casserole.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet, allowing them to melt and mingle. Toss in finely chopped shallots and cook them just until softened, about 2 minutes. Next, stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme—cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. This aromatic base is what will make your Marry Me Chicken Casserole truly unforgettable.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly and whisk it into the butter and oil mixture, cooking for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly add chicken broth, whole milk, sundried tomatoes, Better Than Bouillon chicken paste, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 4 to 5 minutes. This luscious sauce is what ties the entire dish together in a creamy, savory hug.

Step 5: Combine and Assemble

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained egg noodles. Toss everything until well incorporated and add ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy love. Transfer this mixture into a greased casserole dish—preferably a 2-quart or 9×13-inch pan—and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Scatter the remaining ½ cup of parmesan cheese over the top and pop the casserole into a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. When you pull this out, your kitchen will smell like heaven, and the dish will be ready for its grand debut.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Before serving, don’t skip on adding torn fresh basil on top. This simple garnish adds a splash of green and a fresh, slightly sweet aroma that perfectly complements the rich casserole. A little extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on each plate elevates the comforting cheesiness to a new level.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but some crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli provide a wonderful contrast. For something heartier, garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, consider serving the Marry Me Chicken Casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Another idea is to layer the casserole into a trifle dish for a dramatic effect during dinner parties—letting guests scoop out their own servings. Either way, it’s going to be a standout on your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover Marry Me Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making weekday lunches or quick dinners super easy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare the dish fully but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute cozy night.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole to prevent drying out and warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, single servings can be reheated in the microwave for a quick fix, though the oven method preserves that fresh-baked texture best.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles give a lovely texture that pairs well with creamy sauces, penne, rotini, or even fusilli would work nicely too. Just adjust the cooking time so the pasta stays al dente and doesn’t get mushy.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk, and opt for a dairy-free parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor kick.

How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Casserole?

The heat level is quite mild, thanks to just ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. It adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors. You can always adjust the amount to your personal spice preference.

What can I do if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon chicken paste?

No worries! You can substitute with an equal amount of chicken bouillon powder or chicken stock concentrate. If neither is available, a good quality chicken broth or stock alone will still make a delicious sauce—just taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. When ready to bake, just combine the sauce with the chicken and noodles before assembling the casserole. This can save you valuable time on a busy night!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how easy and rewarding it is to make Marry Me Chicken Casserole, it’s time to put on your apron and bake this crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to deliver comfort, flavor, and enough wow factor to make everyone ask for seconds. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, the Marry Me Chicken Casserole will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

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Marry Me Chicken Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, flavorful sundried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan cheese sauce infused with fresh herbs and a touch of spice. This hearty casserole combines tender egg noodles with a velvety sauce and is baked to bubbly perfection, making it a perfect family meal or weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook Egg Noodles: Boil a pot of water and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to halt cooking, drain again, and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook while stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté shallots for about 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to cook the flour. Gradually add chicken broth, milk, sundried tomatoes, chicken bouillon paste, salt, and pepper while whisking. Continue cooking and whisking the sauce until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, prepared egg noodles, and ¼ cup of parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart (or 9×13 inch) casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Optionally, top with extra freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Use oil-packed sundried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Cooking the noodles al dente prevents them from becoming mushy after baking.
You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, but cooking times may vary slightly.
For a richer sauce, use whole milk, but 2% milk can be used for a lighter option.
Fresh thyme adds bright herbal notes, but dried thyme can be substituted in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
If preferred, sprinkle extra parmesan on top halfway through baking for a crispier cheese crust.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Casserole
Method: Baking, Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: American