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- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) - 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded - 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups pasta sauce (marinara or alfredo) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can switch the chicken for turkey or tofu for a different taste. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. For cheese, try vegan options to meet dietary needs. Each serving has about 450 calories. You get around 30 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbs, and 20 grams of fat. This dish is filling and packed with nutrients, making it a balanced meal option. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting that perfect golden brown cheese topping. 2. Preparing broccoli: Use fresh broccoli? Steam it for 3-4 minutes until it's bright green. If you have frozen broccoli, just microwave it according to the package. Make sure to drain it well to avoid watery pasta. 3. Combining pasta, chicken, vegetables, and sauce: In a large bowl, mix your cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, steamed broccoli, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add in garlic powder, dried oregano, and your favorite pasta sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated. 4. Incorporating cheese and seasoning: Now, carefully fold in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. This makes it creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. 5. Transferring to the baking dish and topping: Pour your pasta mix into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly for a nice bake. 6. Cooking time and visual cues for doneness: Top it with the rest of the mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for melted, bubbly cheese that’s golden brown. This means it’s ready! To make your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake creamy, pay close attention to cooking time. Bake it just until the cheese melts and bubbles. If you overbake, the dish may dry out. Choosing the right sauce is also key. Marinara gives a nice tomato flavor, while alfredo makes it rich and creamy. You can even mix both for a unique taste. Sometimes, you may face common baking problems. If your pasta bake turns out dry, try adding more sauce before baking. It keeps everything moist and tasty. Uneven baking can happen if your oven has hot spots. To fix this, rotate the dish halfway through cooking. This helps it bake evenly, ensuring every bite is perfect. To boost flavor, consider adding spices or fresh herbs. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil can elevate the taste. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. For a gourmet twist, try these toppings: crispy breadcrumbs, more cheese, or even sliced olives. These add texture and extra flavor, making your dish stand out. Pro Tips Use a Variety of Cheeses: Mixing different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Make it Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Perfectly Golden Cheese: For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish to suit your taste. If you want a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or lentils instead of chicken. Both options add great flavor and texture. Mushrooms bring a meaty feel, while lentils give a nice bite. You can also try different types of chicken. Grilled chicken adds a smoky taste. Baked chicken gives a tender texture. Each choice brings a new twist to the dish. Pasta shapes can change the game in this recipe. While penne or rotini work well, you can use shells or fusilli. Each shape holds the sauce in a unique way. This makes every bite flavorful and fun. Making your own sauce is another great option. A homemade marinara or alfredo sauce can be fresh and tasty. This allows you to control the flavors and ingredients. Add herbs or spices to make it your own. Incorporating seasonal vegetables can brighten the dish. Try adding spinach in spring or zucchini in summer. These vegetables not only taste great but also add color and nutrition. For holiday-themed variations, consider adding roasted butternut squash in fall. During winter, kale or Brussels sprouts can give a hearty touch. These ideas help you enjoy this dish all year long. To keep your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake fresh, use a few smart tricks. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. Next, place leftovers in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. This keeps moisture in and air out, which helps prevent spoilage. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two great options: the oven or the microwave. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta bake to a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the cheese from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. For the microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. This method helps keep the pasta moist. Freezing is a fantastic way to save your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake for later. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. This way, you can enjoy them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the pasta bake in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave as described above. This keeps the flavors intact, so your meal tastes just as good as the first time! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. To do this, follow these steps: - Cook the pasta and chicken as usual. - Combine all ingredients in a bowl, but do not bake yet. - Store the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - When ready to bake, pour it into a greased dish, add cheese, and bake as directed. This method saves time on busy nights. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian. Here are some great substitutes: - Swap rotisserie chicken for cooked lentils or diced mushrooms. - Use plant-based pasta sauce instead of marinara or alfredo. - Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor. These changes keep the dish hearty and satisfying without the meat. Pair this dish with simple sides for a complete meal. Here are some good options: - A fresh garden salad with light dressing. - Garlic bread for a crunchy contrast. - Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or carrots. These sides complement the cheesy pasta bake nicely. The Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to ensure freshness. When reheating, make sure it is heated all the way through to 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. We've covered everything you need for a tasty Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake. From the simple list of ingredients to easy preparation steps, this dish shines in flavor and texture. You learned about substitutes and how to tackle common baking issues, ensuring success every time. Remember, you can get creative with seasonal ingredients and flavor boosts. Whether cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe can fit all. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

A delicious and comforting baked pasta dish with chicken, cheese, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups pasta sauce (either marinara or alfredo)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  • If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets for about 3-4 minutes until tender. For frozen broccoli, microwave according to package instructions until heated through, then drain.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, steamed broccoli, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add the garlic powder, dried oregano, and pasta sauce. Stir gently until well coated.
  • Fold in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix gently and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, pasta