Description
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy pasta, savory chicken, and gooey cheese into a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its golden crust and rich flavors, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in, it’s an easy-to-make meal that delivers a satisfying experience with every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (1 cup mozzarella, 1 cup cheddar)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream with garlic powder and Italian seasoning; pour over pasta and stir to coat.
- Fold in spinach and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider swapping out chicken for turkey or shrimp. Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or parmesan for unique twists. You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling it without baking and refrigerating it until you're ready.
