Description
Savory baked chicken alfredo rotini casserole brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a hearty meal that satisfies hungry families with simple, delicious ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 3 rashers of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 100 grams (3.5 ounces) mushrooms, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 125 grams (4.4 ounces) butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) cream
- 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) milk
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 180°C, preparing it for the casserole.
- Create a flavor base by rendering bacon in a skillet, which will release its rich oils and help caramelize the onions until translucent.
- Introduce cubed chicken into the bacon and onion mixture, searing each piece to develop a golden exterior and lock in moisture.
- Quickly bloom minced garlic for maximum aromatics, then fold in sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their earthy moisture.
- Craft a velvety Alfredo sauce by whisking butter and flour into a roux, then gradually incorporating milk and cream while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Integrate Parmesan and cheddar cheeses into the sauce, allowing them to melt and create a luxurious, creamy consistency with balanced seasoning.
- Combine the prepared pasta with chicken, bacon, mushroom mixture, and most of the Alfredo sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the mixed casserole to a greased baking dish, drizzle remaining sauce across the top, and generously sprinkle mozzarella for a golden, bubbling finish.
- Bake until the cheese becomes molten and develops crispy, caramelized edges, using the broiler briefly for additional browning.
- Allow the casserole to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, then garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch before serving.
Notes
- Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free rotini to accommodate dietary restrictions and add extra nutritional value.
- Reduce bacon quantity or use turkey bacon for a lighter, heart-healthier version of the casserole.
- Use skinless chicken breasts and trim visible fat to lower overall calorie content and make the dish more diet-friendly.
- Consider adding spinach or kale during the mushroom sautéing stage to boost vegetable intake and create a more nutrient-dense meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg