Description
This Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines tender cooked chicken and pasta in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Layered with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, this baked pasta dish is perfect for a family dinner or potluck, delivering cheesy goodness with a golden, bubbly crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or ziti), cooked al dente
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the pasta bake doesn’t stick during cooking.
- Combine pasta and chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the combined pasta and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a level surface for the cheese topping.
- Add cheese layers: Evenly layer the shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, creating a rich cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, signaling that the dish is cooked through and ready.
- Broil for crispiness: For an extra crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil and broil the pasta bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a hint of freshness and color.
Notes
- For best results, cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the pasta mixture for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the texture will be slightly less rich.
- To make this dish ahead, assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Letting the bake rest after cooking helps it set for easier serving.
