Italian Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Italian Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic sauce, all baked to perfection with a crispy topping. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering!

Italian Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta Bake:
  • 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 3 cups spinach (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Make the Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, Italian seasoning, and remaining Parmesan cheese. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
6. Assemble and Bake:
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta bake. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for added flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

This Italian Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table. Enjoy your delicious creation!