Description
Creamy chicken pasta bake delivers comfort and convenience in one delightful dish. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Carbohydrates:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1.5 cups (340 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cups (60 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
Garnish:
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a bubbling pasta masterpiece.
- Prepare pasta in boiling water until it reaches an al dente texture, then carefully drain and set aside.
- Create a flavor-packed mixture by combining tender chicken pieces, robust marinara sauce, aromatic garlic powder, fragrant Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the seasoned chicken and sauce mixture, ensuring every strand is lovingly coated.
- Transfer the harmonious blend into a lightly greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
- Generously blanket the pasta with a luxurious layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, promising a golden, melty top.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, slightly golden crown.
- Once removed from the oven, let the dish rest briefly, then garnish with fresh, vibrant basil leaves for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately, allowing everyone to enjoy the warm, comforting pasta bake straight from the oven.
Notes
- Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture and flavor profile.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, nutrient-dense meal.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising the comforting taste and creamy texture.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar or provolone to personalize the flavor and add exciting depth to the classic pasta bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg