cheesy chicken pasta casserole

Much like the warm embrace of a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, Chicken Pasta Bake offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that you can easily make your own. You've likely encountered variations at potlucks or cozy dinners, but what makes this dish truly versatile is how you can adapt it to fit your tastes. From choosing the right cheeses to incorporating seasonal vegetables, the possibilities are endless. So, what's your favorite twist on this classic comfort food that keeps you coming back for more?

Key Takeaways

  • Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting dish combining cooked chicken, penne pasta, and a rich tomato-mascarpone sauce topped with cheese.
  • The recipe is customizable, allowing the addition of vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Cooking instructions include preheating the oven, cooking pasta, sautéing ingredients, mixing, and baking for 20-25 minutes.
  • This balanced meal provides protein, carbs, and fats, ideal for healthy eating and meal prep, with leftovers lasting 3-4 days.
  • Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal; it's perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

History

historical events and developments

When you consider the history of Chicken Pasta Bake, you'll find its roots in Italy, where baked pasta dishes have been a culinary staple since the 18th century.

This dish gained traction in the U.S. during the mid-20th century, coinciding with the rise of convenience foods and family-friendly casseroles. The blend of pasta, chicken, and cheese highlights the Italian-American cooking tradition, using readily available ingredients to craft hearty meals.

As you explore its evolution, you'll discover various regional variations, with different sauces, cheeses, and vegetables reflecting local tastes and dietary preferences.

Its comfort food status makes Chicken Pasta Bake a go-to for family gatherings and potlucks, consistently receiving high praise from home cooks across the country.

Recipe

delicious meal preparation instructions

Chicken Pasta Bake

If you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, Chicken Pasta Bake is a perfect choice. This dish combines tender pieces of cooked chicken with al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich tomato and mascarpone sauce. Topped with a delightful blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, it bakes to perfection, creating a bubbly and golden crust that's sure to please the whole family.

It's an excellent way to use leftover chicken, and the preparation is straightforward for a busy weeknight dinner. To make this dish even more appealing, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, which won't only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutritional value.

Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Now let's dive into the ingredients and cooking instructions so you can create this delicious Chicken Pasta Bake at home.

Ingredients:

  • 300g penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400g canned tomato sauce
  • 250g mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh herbs (e.g., basil or parsley)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (or 375°F). In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce and mascarpone cheese, mixing until well combined.

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly, then pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Finally, top with grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese before placing it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Extra Tips:

To ensure your Chicken Pasta Bake is extra creamy, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the sauce for added depth of flavor.

If you want to make it a bit healthier, you can replace half of the pasta with vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower. For added texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Remember to let it cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Enjoy your meal, and don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make this dish your own!

Cooking Steps

cooking preparation and process

To get started with your Chicken Pasta Bake, you'll want to crisp the bacon until it's golden brown for that delicious flavor.

Next, combine your cooked pasta with the savory sauce, stirring in the cooked chicken and herbs.

Finally, add a generous layer of cheese before baking until it's bubbly and golden.

Step 1. Crisp Bacon Until Golden Brown

crisp bacon to perfection

Start by placing diced or chopped bacon in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. This ensures even cooking without needing extra oil.

Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown and release its fat; this should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep cooking until the bacon reaches a golden brown color and crispy texture, which will enhance the flavor of your creamy chicken pasta bake.

Once it's cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet, letting the excess fat drain off. Set the crispy bacon aside for later.

For an extra flavor boost, consider reserving some of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet to sear the chicken, giving it a rich, smoky taste.

Step 2. Combine Pasta and Sauce

mix pasta with sauce

With the bacon set aside, it's time to bring everything together. Start by cooking your pasta until it's al dente, then drain it, reserving a cup of the pasta water.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed chicken and the prepared tomato and mascarpone sauce. Make sure everything's evenly coated; if it seems too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.

Once everything's combined, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for proper cooking. This sets the stage for the next delicious step—topping it with cheese before baking to create that perfect bubbly, golden crust.

Step 3. Add Cheese and Herbs

add cheese and herbs

Once you've combined the pasta and sauce, it's time to elevate your dish with a generous layer of cheese.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar evenly across the top to create that bubbly, golden crust when you bake it. For added depth, consider mixing in a blend of cheeses; Parmesan brings a sharp flavor that complements the melty mozzarella beautifully.

Don't forget to enhance your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. You can mix these herbs into the pasta before adding the cheese or sprinkle them on top before serving for a vibrant finish.

For an extra flavor kick, try adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes with the cheese to truly elevate your chicken pasta bake experience.

Step 4. Stir in Cooked Chicken

add cooked chicken now

After letting your cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, dice or shred it to keep all that delicious moisture inside.

If you're short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option, as it's already seasoned and ready to go.

Now, it's time to stir in the chicken into your pasta mixture along with the sauce. Make sure everything gets well-coated for even flavor and moisture.

Gently mix to avoid breaking the chicken breast into too small pieces, ensuring you maintain a good texture.

Once combined, transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish, making sure it's evenly distributed. This will help prevent dryness during baking and ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

bake until golden bubbly

Now that your chicken and pasta mixture is ready in the baking dish, it's time to bake until bubbly and golden.

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas 7) to ensure even cooking. Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes; this keeps the cheese from over-browning while the chicken and pasta heat through.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes, keeping an eye on the cheese as it transforms into a bubbly, golden delight. For that perfect crispy topping, uncover the dish during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Once it's out of the oven, let the Chicken Pasta Bake cool for a few minutes to enhance the flavors before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Final Thoughts

reflective concluding insights

The Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that many families have come to love, and it's easy to see why.

With its combination of tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and rich tomato sauce, it's reminiscent of a cozy chicken pot pie. The blend of cheddar and parmesan cheese creates a deliciously melted topping that's hard to resist.

Not only is this bake incredibly satisfying, but it also allows for customization with vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, adding nutritional value.

Plus, leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just be sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F for the best experience.

Enjoy this family favorite again and again!

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