Creamy chicken pasta bake.Is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection? What is a good weeknight meal? What are some of the best pasta bake recipes?
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For the Pasta Bake
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta.
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced.
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese. 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas or steamed broccoli (optional) (optional)
What is Creamy Sauce?
- 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter (25 g)
- 3 tbsp (25 g) all-purpose flour. 3 tbsp (
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk.
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth. 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder. 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice) (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and optional vegetables (if using). Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Is it safe to bake cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes?
Step 5: Serve
- How do you cook pasta? Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chicken options: Use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Vegetables:What are your favorite veggies to serve with this dish?
- Make-ahead: Assemble the pasta bake and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if starting cold.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake.Is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. The combination of tender pasta, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese makes it a hit every time. What is it like to have a home cooked meal that feels like a warm hug?
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Can you make this pasta bake ahead? When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Can you freeze unbaked pasta for up to a month?
What are some good substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
If you don’t have penne or rotini, you can substitute any other pasta shape, such as farfalle (bow tie), elbow macaroni, or shells. For the chicken, rotisserie chicken, canned chicken (drained), or even cooked ground turkey or sausage work well. If you’re missing Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses. If you’re out of milk, you can use half-and-half or even heavy cream for an even richer sauce, but you might need to adjust the amount of chicken broth.
How do you know if your chicken is cooked?
The pasta bake is done when the cheese is fully melted, golden brown, and slightly bubbly. The internal temperature should be around 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Is the sauce bubbling around the edges of the dish?
Can I double or scale up this recipe for a larger crowd?
Can you double this recipe? Is it necessary to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes and keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn’t burn? What is the best seasoning to use?
What is the nutritional value of this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake?
This pasta bake provides a good source of protein from chicken and dairy. The pasta contributes carbohydrates for energy. The optional vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The mozzarella cheese provides calcium, and the Parmesan adds flavor and protein. Remember that this is a comfort food dish, so it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
This creamy chicken pasta bake is a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for a family dinner.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add cream, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta and creamy chicken mixture in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
