Are you looking for a delicious, hassle-free meal that will have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this Italian Baked Chicken Pasta Freezer Meal! Bursting with flavor and oozing with cheesy goodness, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a comforting Italian classic that freezes beautifully for those days when you need a quick dinner solution. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a hearty meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and shredded chicken. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Dust the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the mozzarella, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to prevent moisture loss.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- For freezer meal preparation, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Tips
- Cook Your Pasta Al Dente: When preparing your pasta, aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Shred Your Chicken: For the best texture, use cooked, shredded chicken. You can easily shred rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts for convenience.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to spice things up by adding extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the pasta mixture or using a flavored marinara sauce for a twist.
- Layer It Up: For an even more indulgent dish, consider layering additional cheese between the pasta and the top layer for extra creaminess.
- Freezer-Friendly: If you're making this as a freezer meal, be sure to use a freezer-safe dish and tightly cover it to prevent freezer burn. Don’t forget to label it with the date!
- Thawing Tips: For best results, thaw your frozen meal overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
- Perfectly Bubbly Cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese while baking; if it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
