Description
Mouthwatering chicken pasta bake delights dinner guests with creamy Italian-inspired comfort. Rich ingredients blend perfectly, creating a hearty meal families will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
Pasta and Sauce:
- 2 cups pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked vegetables (like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Create a flavorful blend by gently mixing cooked chicken, prepared pasta, robust marinara sauce, colorful vegetables, aromatic garlic, fragrant Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Carefully transfer the combined mixture into a well-greased baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Generously crown the pasta mixture with a lavish layer of melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling cheese topping that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to settle, then serve piping hot for maximum taste and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different nutritional needs and make the dish more health-conscious.
- Boost vegetable content by adding extra roasted zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for increased nutrition and vibrant flavor.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to create a quick weeknight meal that saves time and reduces kitchen stress.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg