Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake (One-Dish Recipe!)
This baked pasta dish features succulent chicken enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce, all cooked together in a single baking dish. Its a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners and easy enough for a weeknight treat.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish: Essential for baking the pasta.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: Used for sauting the chicken and vegetables, as well as preparing the cream sauce.
- Large Pot: Needed for cooking the pasta.
- Colander: Used to drain the cooked pasta.
- Whisk: Crucial for creating a smooth cream sauce, preventing lumps.
- Mixing spoons: Used for combining the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cutting board and knife: Required for chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Oven mitts: Necessary for safely handling the hot baking dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Undercooking the pasta slightly ensures it will be perfectly cooked after baking in the sauce.
- Step 3: Saut Chicken and Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Step 5: Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and sauted chicken and vegetables to the cream sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Step 7: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Step 8: Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Optional tips: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added to the chicken and vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients. You can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella cheese with other cheese varieties like provolone or Gruyre.
Notes
Variations
The “Creamy chicken pasta bake in one dish” can be adapted in numerous ways to cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Several possible variations include:
- Ingredient Swaps:
- Protein: Substitute chicken with diced ham, Italian sausage, or plant-based chicken alternatives.
- Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends such as provolone, Gruyre, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Pasta: Explore using different pasta shapes like farfalle, shells, or gluten-free options for dietary considerations.
- Regional Twists:
- Italian: Add pesto, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil after baking.
- Mexican: Incorporate black beans, corn, salsa, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Mediterranean: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and spinach.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Lower Fat: Use skim milk or a combination of milk and chicken broth to reduce fat content in the cream sauce. Substitute regular cream cheese with a light version.
- Gluten-Free: Utilize gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms, lentils, or other plant-based protein sources.
Serving Suggestions
The “Creamy chicken pasta bake in one dish” is a versatile dish suitable for various occasions. Serve as a main course for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bake.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls for sopping up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, to add a healthy side dish.
- A light dessert, such as fruit salad or sorbet, to complete the meal.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to preserve the freshness and flavor of the “Creamy chicken pasta bake in one dish:”
- Refrigeration: Allow the bake to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish in the oven at 350F (175C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or chicken broth can help restore the creamy texture.
- Freezing: While freezing is possible, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool the bake completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can the pasta be cooked ahead of time?Answer: Yes, the pasta can be cooked a day in advance. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and store it in the refrigerator.
- Question 2: What is the best way to prevent the pasta bake from drying out?Answer: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before baking and that the sauce is sufficiently creamy. Covering the dish with foil during the first half of baking can also help retain moisture.
- Question 3: Can the dish be assembled ahead of time and baked later?Answer: Yes, the pasta bake can be assembled a few hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
- Question 4: Is it possible to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to speed up the process?Answer: Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce mixture.