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Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner. This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a crunchy, golden-brown breadcrumb layer. It’s an easy one-dish meal that’s sure to please the whole family and keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken pasta bake is not only delicious but also super simple to make. It’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Plus, it can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
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- Quick to prepare: Assemble in under 30 minutes.
- One dish wonder: Less cleanup after dinner.
- Customizable: Make it your own with different veggies or proteins.
- Comfort food: Creamy and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the pasta bake.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the perfect texture after baking.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- For extra crunch, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Easy Variations
- Swap the chicken for cooked sausage or shrimp for a different protein.
- Use different types of pasta, such as rotini or fusilli, for a fun twist.
- Experiment with cheese by adding cheddar or pepper jack for a kick.
What to Serve With It
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield/Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:
8 ounces penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the pasta bake.
7. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Notes:
Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins for a unique twist!
