Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish combines simple ingredients into a flavorful casserole that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta and Chicken: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Season cooked chicken with salt and pepper as desired.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux and is lightly golden. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until fully melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, seasoned chicken, and cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the bake for extra nutrition.
- For a creamier texture, substitute half the milk with cream.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
