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Chicken Pasta Bake

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Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting casserole made with pasta, tender chicken, rich sauce, and melty cheese. It’s baked to golden perfection, making it a satisfying and versatile dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients

  1. 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  2. 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
  3. 3 cups marinara or Alfredo sauce (or a combination)
  4. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  5. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 medium onion, diced
  8. 2 tbsp olive oil
  9. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  10. Salt and black pepper to taste
  11. Optional: red pepper flakes, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  1. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, then add optional vegetables and cook until tender.
  3. Stir in chicken and sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Toss pasta with sauce mixture until evenly coated.
  5. Spread half the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Add remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

  1. Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
  2. Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for gooey and flavorful layers.
  3. For extra creaminess, mix marinara with Alfredo sauce.
  4. Make ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking.
  5. Freeze unbaked or baked portions for convenient meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chicken-pasta-bake/