Description
Creamy chicken pasta bake brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners. Parmesan, herbs, and tender chicken combine in a hearty casserole you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Cook pasta in boiling water until perfectly tender, ensuring a delightful al dente texture; drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Create a harmonious blend in a spacious mixing bowl by combining tender cooked chicken, robust marinara sauce, rich heavy cream, aromatic garlic powder, savory onion powder, and essential seasoning.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring each noodle is luxuriously coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Carefully transfer the pasta ensemble into a generously greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Lavishly sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the top, promising a golden, melty finish.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
- Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh basil or parsley over the top, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly grill chicken breasts for a more flavorful base, ensuring tender and juicy meat throughout the dish.
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the creamy texture and taste.
- Mix in extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the pasta bake.
- Keep cheese slightly less melted by covering the baking dish with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent excessive browning and maintain a creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg