Description
Creamy chicken pasta bake delivers comfort on a plate with Italian-inspired flavors. Cheesy layers and tender chicken create a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups (480 grams) rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (240 grams) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese (grated)
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for optimal baking conditions.
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Create a creamy sauce by incorporating marinara, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth and well-combined.
- Fold shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a lightly greased baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a rich, melty covering.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to become golden and bubbling.
- Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Swap rotisserie chicken with grilled, baked, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg