Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

$To make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake, you will need these key ingredients: - 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing These ingredients come together to create a creamy and cheesy delight that fills you up and warms your heart. You can change the cheese to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Use gouda for a smoky flavor. - Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. - Substitute feta for a tangy twist. - Mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess. Feel free to experiment! Each cheese adds its own character to the dish. Add more depth to your pasta bake with these optional ingredients: - Chopped spinach for a fresh touch. - Sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor. - Diced bell peppers for sweetness and crunch. - A splash of hot sauce for heat. These extras can make your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake even more special. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo! First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for a well-cooked pasta bake. While the oven warms up, gather all your ingredients. You will need cooked pasta, cooked chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour in the marinara sauce. Use a large spoon to stir gently. You want the pasta and chicken fully coated in sauce. This step ensures great flavor in every bite. In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to blend everything into a creamy mixture. This adds a rich texture to your bake. Make sure no lumps remain; a smooth blend makes a big difference. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Now, pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top. This layer adds a cheesy goodness. Pour in the rest of the pasta mixture, then top it with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan. This will create a golden cheese crust. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This helps all the flavors combine. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps everything set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving. Enjoy your cheesy chicken pasta bake! To get the best cheese crust, use a mix of cheeses. I love using mozzarella and cheddar for their meltiness. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for that golden finish. Cover your dish with foil for the first half of baking. This keeps the cheese from burning and lets it melt evenly. Remove the foil later to get that nice brown color. You can easily swap ingredients for dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. If you are dairy-free, try using vegan cheeses. You can also replace chicken with tofu or beans for a plant-based dish. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if you change the protein. When serving, cut the pasta bake into squares. Place it on plates and add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. A few fresh basil leaves on top make it look fancy. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread to make a full meal. Enjoy this dish while it’s hot for the most flavor! {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, you can use other proteins. Turkey works great and keeps it light. You can also try cooked sausage for a spicier kick. For a different flavor, consider shredded beef. Each option gives a unique taste while keeping the dish hearty. You can make this bake vegetarian by skipping the meat. Use mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead of chicken. These veggies add great texture and flavor. You might also try adding beans for protein. This version remains creamy and satisfying without meat. Seasonal veggies can make your pasta bake even better. In spring, add asparagus or peas for a fresh crunch. In summer, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes brighten the dish. During fall, try butternut squash or broccoli for warmth. These mix-ins add color and boost nutrition. To store your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake, let it cool first. Once cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps it fresh and stops it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just take it out and reheat. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great! Cut the pasta bake into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To heat up your pasta bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the portion in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. If you want the cheese to melt again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy your cheesy goodness just like the first time! To make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options made from rice or corn. Check the marinara sauce too; some sauces may have gluten. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want a crispy topping. Yes, you can prepare this pasta bake ahead of time. Just follow the recipe until the baking step. Cover it and place it in the fridge. When ready to eat, preheat your oven and bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time. This pasta bake goes well with simple side dishes. A fresh salad adds crunch and flavor. Garlic bread is a classic choice for dipping. You can also serve steamed veggies for a healthy touch. Choose sides that balance the cheesy richness of the dish. You've learned how to make a tasty Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Don’t forget to try different cheeses or add your favorite veggies for a fun twist. Storage tips ensure you enjoy leftovers later. Remember, this dish suits many diets, so feel free to adapt it. Cooking is about having fun and sharing great flavors. Enjoy your meal, and happy baking!$

Indulge in the comfort of a Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake that's perfect for family dinners! This delightful recipe combines cooked pasta, tender chicken, and a blend of rich cheeses topped with marinara sauce for a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. With easy steps and simple ingredients, your taste buds will thank you. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your dinner game today! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini are excellent choices)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnishing

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and marinara sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce.

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or whisk to blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

Fold the ricotta mixture into the pasta and chicken blend, stirring softly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Then, pour in half of the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the first layer of pasta, creating a delicious cheesy layer.

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer, followed by the rest of the mozzarella, cheddar, and finally, the grated Parmesan cheese to form a golden cheese crust.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and turns a lovely golden brown.

Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time will help everything set.

Before serving, garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Slice the pasta bake into squares and serve hot. Enjoy the delightful cheesy goodness!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve individual portions on plates or shallow bowls, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few additional basil leaves for a pop of color.