Print

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Easy Dinner for Picky Eaters

cheesy chicken pasta bake - featured image
Print Recipe

This cheesy chicken pasta bake is a comforting dish with tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta baked to golden perfection. It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces penne, rotini, or any short pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and all of the grated Parmesan. Allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Mix everything together until the pasta is well-coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth out the top.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top of the pasta mixture for a cheesy finish.
  9. Bake the dish in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta; cook it just to al dente as it will continue to soften in the oven.’, ‘Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor.’, ‘Use a good melting cheese like mozzarella, or mix in cheddar or Gruyère for added flavor.’, ‘Broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking for a perfectly golden cheese top.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner, family-friendly, pasta bake, chicken recipe

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-dinner-for-picky-eaters/