Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
3 cups cooked rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Cheese
Stir in Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and add Parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and garlic sauce until well-coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let it cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 430 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect bake every time. First, ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will soften further in the oven. Shred your cooked chicken finely for even distribution. When making the roux, whisk the flour into the melted butter for a full minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk and broth, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly before adding the cheeses. When combining, fold the sauce gently into the pasta and chicken to avoid breaking the pasta. Finally, for a golden top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For a vegetable side, consider roasted broccoli or asparagus. To serve, scoop directly from the baking dish for a family-style presentation.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish involves cooking pasta and chicken, creating a creamy garlic and cheese sauce from a roux base, combining everything, and baking until golden. The key steps are making a smooth sauce and ensuring even coating before baking for that perfect, bubbly finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of rotini? Any short pasta with good sauce-holding shape works well, such as penne, fusilli, farfalle, or shells.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, diced ham, or even canned tuna (drained) are excellent substitutes for the chicken.
My sauce is too thick/thin. How can I fix it? If too thick, whisk in a splash of extra milk or broth. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or create a small slurry of 1 tsp flour and 1 tbsp water, whisk it in, and simmer for a minute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook only to al dente to prevent a mushy final texture.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce: Always reduce the heat to low before adding cheese to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.
- Not seasoning the sauce adequately: Taste and season your sauce well before combining, as the pasta will absorb some of the flavor.
- Skipping the roux cooking time: Not cooking the flour and butter mixture for at least a minute can result in a pasty, floury taste in your sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously cheesy garlic sauce. It’s a straightforward, crowd-pleasing recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and create a delicious, golden-brown bake that your whole family will love. Enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!