Gooey Cheddar Chicken Pasta Bake

Cheesy Chicken Bake 🧀🍗

Overview:

This Cheesy Chicken Bake recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian cheese-infused dish. Bursting with flavor and gooey cheese, it’s a surefire hit for family dinners or potluck gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal option. Plus, with just under an hour from start to finish, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 cups pasta
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• Seasoning to taste (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 575.6
• Fat: 28.1g
• Saturated Fat: 13.7g
• Cholesterol: 105.5mg
• Sodium: 876.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 43.6g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 1.9g
• Protein: 35.5g

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

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   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   • Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked through. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry them based on your preference. Once cooked, shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Mixing:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and your choice of seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Baking:

   • Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
   • Spoon the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

4. Baking:

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and bubbling around the edges.

5. Cheese Topping:

   • Once the initial baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

6. Broiling:

   • Turn on the broiler in your oven and place the dish back in the oven, this time on the top rack.
   • Broil the cheesy chicken bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

7. Serving:

   • Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve the cheesy chicken bake hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cheesy Chicken Bake pairs perfectly with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it alongside some garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a bit of extra flavor, drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle some chopped green onions over the top before serving.

Tips & Tricks:

• Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile. Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack would all work well in this dish.
• Feel free to add in extra veggies like diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
• To make this dish even quicker, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal.
• If you’re short on time, you can prepare the chicken and pasta mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is heated through properly.

Conclusion:

With its creamy texture, gooey cheese topping, and savory chicken flavor, this Cheesy Chicken Bake is sure to become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner option, this recipe ticks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and satisfaction. Give it a try tonight and watch as it disappears from plates in record time! 🍽️👩‍🍳