Description
Comfort meets culinary delight in this irresistible chicken pasta bake, blending tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one harmonious dish. Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises a delicious meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Creamy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
Optional Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- 0.5 cup diced onion
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a greased baking dish.
- Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Create a savory sauce blend by mixing cooked chicken with marinara, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly coat pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Layer half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a foundational base.
- Optional: Spread a creamy layer of ricotta or cottage cheese over the first pasta layer.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the initial layer.
- Top with remaining pasta mixture, creating a complete second layer.
- Generously cover the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbles with appetizing intensity.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to allow flavors to settle.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving warm.
Notes
- Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or gluten-free options to make the dish more diet-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent excess moisture in the pasta bake.
- Add red pepper flakes or extra herbs for a personalized flavor boost that elevates the basic recipe.
- Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep solution.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 528 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg