Marry Me Low Carb Chicken

The name alone made me skeptical when my sister first texted me about this casserole. Something about calling a dish "Marry Me" felt like internet hyperbole. Then I made it on a Tuesday night when I had zero energy and my husband took one bite and actually asked if I'd added a secret ingredient. The sun-dried tomatoes create this sweet-savory balance that transforms ordinary cream sauce into something restaurant-worthy.

I first served this at a small dinner party where two guests were doing low-carb and another was vegetarian. I panicked until I realized how adaptable this casserole actually is. Everyone ended up crowded around the baking dish, literally scraping up the last bits of sauce with forks. That's when I knew this wasn't just another weeknight chicken recipe.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts: Pound them slightly to even thickness so they cook at the same rate
• Heavy cream: This creates the luscious base that makes the sauce so velvety
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melting and flavor distribution
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These pack an umami punch that makes the whole dish taste special
• Baby spinach: It wilts into the sauce and adds fresh color without overwhelming flavor
• Italian seasoning: A blend that includes oregano and basil works perfectly here
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that gorgeous golden bubbly topping we all want

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and grab a 9x13 baking dish

Season the chicken:

Rub each breast with salt pepper and Italian seasoning then place in your dish

Make the creamy sauce:

Whisk together the heavy cream Parmesan garlic and red pepper flakes until smooth

Assemble everything:

Pour the sauce over the chicken then scatter sun-dried tomatoes and spinach around

Add the cheesy topping:

Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the whole dish

Bake until golden:

Pop it in for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is done and cheese is bubbling

Let it rest briefly:

Wait 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly

Save

This casserole has become my go-to when friends need comforting food but are watching carbs. Last month my neighbor texted at midnight after I dropped some off saying she couldn't stop eating it straight from the container. There's something about that combination of rich cream and tangy sun-dried tomatoes that just hits different on hard days.

Making It Your Own

I've swapped kale for spinach when that's what I had in the fridge and it worked beautifully. Provolone creates a sharper finish if you want to change up the cheese profile. The recipe is forgiving enough to handle substitutions while staying true to what makes it special.

Pairing Suggestions

Cauliflower rice soaks up that incredible sauce without adding carbs. A crisp green salad with acidic vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I just serve it with steamed broccoli when I want something simple and familiar.

Make Ahead Wisdom

You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld together more this way. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

• Let the dish come to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking
• Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes if baking from cold
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Save

Whether it's a Tuesday night or a dinner party this casserole never lets me down. Something about that bubbling cheese and fragrant garlic makes the whole house feel welcoming.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, provolone or a similar melting cheese can be substituted to suit your taste preferences.

→ Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing adds extra flavor and a golden crust but can be skipped for convenience.

→ What can I substitute for spinach?

Kale or other leafy greens can be used as a nutritious alternative to spinach.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Modify the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them altogether for a milder flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, but verify sun-dried tomatoes for cross-contamination if sensitive.