Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect blend of tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and herb-infused flavors? Look no further than this irresistible Herb Chicken Pasta Bake that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pasta bake will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce and combined with the chicken.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
- Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Herb Chicken Pasta Bake!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken instead of plain boiled chicken.
- Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture and more authentic taste.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the pasta bake for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
- Make it a complete meal by adding some steamed vegetables directly into the pasta mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 449kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 34g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
