Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

$For a tasty Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake, gather these main ingredients: - 2 cups rotini pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a warm, cheesy dish that the whole family loves. Each one plays a key role in building flavor and texture. The rotini pasta acts as a sturdy base. The shredded chicken adds protein, while broccoli and cherry tomatoes bring color and nutrition. The blend of cheeses and sauces creates that creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave. To make this dish, you'll need some essential tools: - Baking dish - Mixing bowls - Pot for boiling pasta - Wooden spoon or spatula Using the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. A good baking dish helps your pasta bake cook evenly. Mixing bowls are perfect for combining ingredients without making a mess. A pot for boiling pasta ensures you get that perfect al dente texture. Lastly, a wooden spoon or spatula helps you mix everything well. With these tools, you'll be ready to create a delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, cook the rotini pasta. Follow the package instructions. Cook until al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Next, shred the cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shredding makes it easy to mix with the pasta and sauce. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, and halved cherry tomatoes with the cooked pasta. Make sure everything is well combined. Now, create the cheese sauce mixture. In a separate bowl, mix the Alfredo sauce with softened cream cheese. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and pasta. Mix it well so everything is coated. Then, stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This adds a rich flavor. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese. This will create a nice cheesy crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, enjoy your cheesy chicken pasta bake! To ensure your pasta cooks just right, always boil it until it's al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing. Once cooked, drain it well to prevent extra moisture in your bake. When it comes to cheese, clumping can ruin your dish. To avoid this, sprinkle cheese evenly throughout the pasta mixture. Stir gently to coat everything well. This way, you get that creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a lovely touch to your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake. Just chop it finely and sprinkle it on top before serving. This bright color makes the dish pop and adds a fresh flavor. For serving, pair your pasta bake with a simple salad or garlic bread. This makes a complete meal that your family will love. Feel free to switch things up with different veggies or proteins. You can use spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. If you want a new protein, try using turkey or a meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Adjusting spice levels is easy too. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. For cheese, try using mozzarella for a milder taste or gouda for a smoky flavor. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the rotini pasta until it's al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well mixed in the sauce to achieve a uniform flavor in every bite. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh broccoli and cherry tomatoes when possible to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and to avoid burns. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type in this dish. Try using penne or fusilli for fun shapes. You can even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier choices. For protein, shredded turkey works well, too. If you want a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or extra veggies. This keeps the bake hearty and filling. Different sauces can change the whole taste. Swap the Alfredo sauce for marinara to give it a tangy kick. Pesto adds fresh herbs and a burst of flavor. You can also add herbs like basil or thyme. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings heat. Feel free to play with spices to find your favorite mix. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many good brands available now. Check the labels to ensure they meet your needs. For a dairy-free version, try using almond cream or cashew cheese. These substitutes can give you a similar creamy texture. Don't forget to check for dairy-free cheese options for topping. To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These keep the dish fresh and prevent odors. Always label the container with the date. This helps you track freshness. For freezing, first, let the dish cool. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap for extra protection. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals. In the fridge, Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake lasts about three to four days. If frozen, it can stay good for up to three months. After this time, the taste and texture may change. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating, like off smells or changes in texture. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Here are some tips for prepping: - Cook the pasta: Make the rotini pasta and cool it before mixing. - Mix ingredients: Combine the chicken, veggies, and sauce. Store this mixture in the fridge. - Assemble: Layer the pasta mixture and cheese just before baking. - Bake later: Cover tightly and bake when ready. It might need a few extra minutes. You can lighten the dish while keeping it tasty. Here are some easy swaps: - Use whole wheat pasta: It adds fiber and nutrients. - Add more veggies: Include spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added vitamins. - Choose low-fat cheese: Use reduced-fat cheddar or mozzarella for fewer calories. - Swap Alfredo sauce: Try a lighter sauce or make one with Greek yogurt for creaminess. For a rich flavor and texture, here are my top picks: - Cheddar cheese: It melts well and adds a sharp taste. - Mozzarella cheese: This gives a nice stretchiness and mild flavor. - Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top adds a salty kick. - Blend of cheeses: Mixing different cheeses can create a complex flavor profile. In this post, I covered how to make a tasty Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake. We went over the main ingredients, tools needed, and step-by-step instructions. I provided helpful tips for cooking, presentation, and customization. I also shared variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. This dish is simple and fun to make. Feel free to try new flavors or ingredients. Enjoy your cooking and create a meal everyone will love!$

A delicious and creamy pasta bake loaded with chicken, broccoli, and cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup Alfredo sauce
0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste Salt and pepper
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente; drain well and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, and cooked pasta.
In a separate bowl, mix together the Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and pasta, and mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with the reserved cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.

Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, pasta