Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake: A Comforting Delight
Greetings, food lovers. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, have I got a recipe for you. Introducing my Pasta Bravo: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake recipe- a dish so delicious it’s sure to have you coming back for seconds. This recipe is one of my all-time favorites and I’m excited to share it with you today.
This pasta dish is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory chicken- all baked together to create a rich, warm meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the table.
There’s something special about pasta dishes that make them so comforting and satisfying. Maybe it’s the way they fill up your belly or the familiarity of their taste that reminds us of home-cooked meals. Whatever it is, there’s no denying the allure of a well-prepared pasta dish, especially when it comes out fresh from your oven.
But don’t just take my word for it- give this recipe a try for yourself! With only basic kitchen skills and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delectable dish in no time. So gather up your ingredients and let’s get started on making some magic happen in the kitchen with my Pasta Bravo: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready for a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the creamy goodness of a pasta bake. But this isn’t just any pasta bake – it’s Pasta Bravo: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe! Trust me when I say, you won’t be able to resist the temptations of this dish, and here’s why.
Firstly, the combination of Tuscan chicken and mushrooms roasted in garlic-infused olive oil creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The smoky flavor of grilled chicken perfectly complements the earthy aroma of roasted mushrooms. All these flavors come together in a creamy lemon-chicken cream sauce that’s made even richer by the addition of ricotta cheese.
Secondly, this pasta bake recipe includes layers of savory goodness – from juicy black olives to colorful bell peppers to tangy roasted red pepper sauce. Of course, no pasta dish is complete without cheese! This recipe uses two types of cheese: parmesan and mozzarella. They melt in together creating a cheesy heaven on every bite.
Finally, this Pasta Bravo recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add some shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken in place of grilled chicken breasts for quicker and easier preparation. You can substitute penne pasta with any other pasta of your choice. Or you can even personalize it further by incorporating sliced onions or fresh spinach!
In summary, the reasons why you’ll love this recipe are countless! The aroma wafts through your home as you eagerly wait for it to finish baking in the oven – but make sure it cools down long enough so you don’t burn your tongue devouring it too quickly! The combination of flavors and ingredients creates a meal that your family and friends will be raving about for weeks to come. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a mouth-watering dish for your family, Pasta Bravo: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is definitely an all-time classic that will never disappoint!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Pasta Bravo: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box of penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 can of black olives, drained and sliced
- 4-5 mushrooms, sliced
- Roasted red pepper cream sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings:
- Salt
- Pepper
Olive oil for sautéing
Make sure to purchase high-quality ingredients for the best results. You can choose either homemade or store-bought roasted red pepper cream sauce. Ricotta cheese adds a lovely creamy texture and flavor but can be substituted with cream cheese as well. Grating your own cheese produces better results than pre-packaged shredded cheese as it melts beautifully on the pasta. Be sure to not overcook the pasta-bake dry noodle but pay attention to the cook-time mentioned in the recipe details.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe. This is a straightforward recipe that you can make with ease. It involves some sautéing, boiling, and baking your dish. Trust me when I say that once you’ve made this pasta bravo once, it’ll become a regular feature in your kitchen! Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta well.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic cloves, diced onions, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly browned.
Next, add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until they are soft and fully cooked.
Add cream sauce to the pan and stir to mix with the veggies.
Step 3: Combine Pasta with Chicken
In a mixing bowl or in the pasta pot, combine cooked pasta with chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces or shredded. Make sure to mix evenly so chicken is distributed throughout the whole dish.
Add black olives and roasted red pepper to the mixture as well. Mix everything together really well.
Step 4: Assemble Pasta Bake
Take a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
Pour half of the mixed pasta and chicken into the baking dish.
Add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese generously over it.
Then pour in remaining pasta mixture over everything in container
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of everything until full coverage.
Bake for around 20-25 minutes uncovered at 375°F (190°C), till golden brown on top.
Step 5: Serve!
Once baked entirely thoroughly, remove from oven carefully without burning yourself or dropping anything accidentally.
Serve immediately while still steaming hot!.
Enjoy your deliciously bubbly hot meal of creamy chicken pasta bake!
Substitutions and Variations
The Pasta Bravo recipe is a flexible one, which means you can make substitutions and variations according to your taste buds. If you’re looking to add more flavor or cut down calories, these hacks will do the trick.
Firstly, Instead of chicken breasts, you can use pre-cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken. This saves time and adds a roasted flavor to your pasta. Or you can leave out the chicken entirely for a vegetarian version of the recipe.
For variety, consider adding different vegetables to your pasta bake. Red pepper, roasted tomatoes, broccoli, or artichoke hearts will all work great in this dish. You may also sprinkle some black olives if you want an extra briny kick to the recipe.
If you don’t have penne pasta at home right now, use any pasta shape that you like. Rigatoni or fusilli are other excellent choices that hold sauce well. Moreover, if you want to reduce carbohydrates intake or gluten-free option use chickpea pasta instead of regular wheat-based pasta.
Another variation would be to add Italian sausage or ground beef instead of chicken breasts. This hearty substitute adds more heft and texture to the dish.
Lastly, opt-out for a vegan variation by using vegan parmesan cheese and substitute ricotta cheese with cashew cheese or silken tofu blended with herbs like basil and parsley.
So many variations exist within just one dish: open up those cupboards and envision the possibilities!
Serving and Pairing
Once baked to perfection, the pasta bravo creamy chicken pasta bake can be served hot and sizzling straight from the oven. You can sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top to add an extra layer of flavor to your dish. The boldness of the creamy chicken pasta bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread.
For entrees, you can grill some juicy Tuscan chicken or serve some grilled shrimp that can add a delicious seafood variation to this hearty meal. In addition, you can pair this with a classic Italian wine such as Chianti or Pinot Grigio that will complement the Parmesan and cream flavors in the dish.
The creamy chicken pasta bake also goes well with other pasta dishes such as spaghetti carbonara or chicken alfredo pasta. It’s a versatile meal that can seamlessly fit into any dinner party menu or make for an excellent main course for a weekend family dinner.
Overall, serving and pairing the pasta bravo creamy chicken pasta bake is about finding the right balance between bold and subtle flavors that highlight each component of the dish. From sides to wine choices, there are countless ways to make this meal your own and turn your next gathering into a memorable culinary event.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Pasta Bravo is a perfect party dish and can be made ahead of time. You can prepare it a day before or early in the morning before your guests arrive without compromising the flavors. The pasta is even more delicious after it has had time to soak in all the flavors of the sauce while sitting in the refrigerator.
Start by assembling the dish as usual, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. It’s important to preheat your oven and then allow the dish to come up to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Suppose you have leftovers from your party or too many portions that you couldn’t serve. In that case, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave oven by adding a tablespoon of water and covering the container with a lid or plastic wrap. Alternatively, reheat Pasta Bravo by baking it again, covered with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Remember that when reheating leftover pasta, excess moisture is often lost during cooling, which may result in dry pasta. So, make sure to moisten it with some extra sauce before reheating.
Pasta Bravo stays fresh and delicious even when reheated because of its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients. Leftovers are perfect for lunch or dinner the next day, making this recipe exceptionally versatile and easy.
Tips for Perfect Results
In order to achieve the perfect Pasta Bravo, there are a few tips and tricks I have learned while making this dish many times. Trust me, following these tips will make all the difference in creating a memorable meal that your guests will rave about.
Firstly, use good quality ingredients. It’s important to use fresh garlic cloves and extra virgin olive oil to create a rich and flavorful base for the cream sauce. Don’t skimp on using quality cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan, as they add a depth of flavor that cheaper alternatives can’t replicate.
Secondly, make sure the pasta is cooked al dente. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy consistency that will ruin the texture of the entire dish. To ensure perfect pasta every time, cook it for a minute less than what the package instructions suggest.
Thirdly, don’t be shy with the sauce. This Pasta Bravo is all about the creamy lemon chicken sauce. It’s essential to make enough of it so that every bite has that satisfying creaminess to it. If your pasta bake looks dry before it even goes into the oven, add more sauce to prevent it from drying out during baking.
Fourthly, add some tanginess with black olives or roasted red peppers. These ingredients complement the creaminess of the dish while adding dimension in flavor. Additionally, grill or roast some chicken breasts instead of using shredded or rotisserie chicken for a more succulent texture.
Last but not least, let your baked pasta rest for 10-15 minutes after taking it out of the oven before serving. This allows time for everything to settle so that you get more distinct layers upon plating. And don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley over it before serving to give it a pop of color and freshness.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a Pasta Bravo dish that’s nothing short of spectacular!
FAQ
As we conclude this recipe article, it’s important to address any lingering questions or uncertainties you may have about the Pasta Bravo: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. In this section, we will dive into some frequently asked questions about the ingredients, preparation and storage of this delicious recipe. So, let’s get started!
Can pasta sauce be used as pasta bake?
When it comes to making a mouth-watering pasta casserole, the sauce is highly adaptable to your preferences. You can use whatever pasta sauce you have in your pantry to create the perfect base. Since seasoning is essential, we add garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil to our recipe, but don’t be afraid to toss in additional spices to your taste. To finish things off, we sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese on top, and bake the casserole to a golden brown perfection.
Why is my pasta bake so dry?
When making a pasta bake, the dryness of the dish is often caused by the pasta soaking up too much of the sauce. This commonly happens when the recipe calls for too much pasta and not enough sauce. To prevent this, it’s important to stick to the recommended measurements in the recipe to achieve the perfect consistency for your pasta bake.
How do you not burn pasta bake?
When preparing your pasta, it is best to cook it in water that is generously salted. This will take around 2 minutes less than the usual cooking time. Make sure to taste the pasta during the cooking process to ensure that it has a tender yet slightly firm texture, which is less than al dente. By doing this, you will avoid overcooking the pasta when it is baked in the oven.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a dish that is easy to make, yet packed with flavors, then this Pasta Bravo Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is the one for you. This dish combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a creamy sauce made of Italian kitchen staples such as garlic, onion, and extra virgin olive oil. The addition of chicken breasts, mushrooms, bell pepper, black olives, roasted red pepper, and a variety of cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta just adds to the richness of the flavors.
Moreover, this recipe’s versatility makes it an all-year-round option as it can be easily modified to include your favorite herbs, spices or types of protein. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a big party over the weekend, this Pasta Bravo Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe will not disappoint.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, grab that apron and give this recipe a try! You’ll love the way it turns out. With its delicious creamy flavor and perfect texture that can only be attained from baking in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. Trust me; your taste buds won’t know what hit them!
Pasta Bravo: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 16 ounces penne pasta (or substitute similar pasta of your choice)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (I use part skim)
- 26 ounces pasta sauce (use your favorite. I love Vodka Sauce with this recipe)
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (I usually use rotisserie from store for convenience, unless I've planned ahead)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (or blend ( wonderful with the pre-shredded Italian Mix with Mozzerella, fontina, romano, parmesan, a)
- 3 ounces black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (preferably fresh grated, not canned)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (fresh are perfect, but canned are fine)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Saute chopped onions, peppers and garlic in olive oil, about 5 minutes over medium heat. Add mushrooms and continue to saute until mushrooms begin to soften, about 4 minutes more.
- While the veggies are cooking, put pasta in a large pot of boiling water and cook until al dente. (still firm to the bite) WARNING: They will continue to cook and absorb the sauce in the oven, so do not overcook here. The package directions should give instructions for al dente cooking times, but for my penne, it's usually about 9 minutes. When they are finished, drain well and return to pan. Mix in ricotta and mozzerella cheeses.
- When the veggies are softened, add the pasta sauce and stir well. Add the chicken and black olives.
- Hopefully you really used a Large Pot for your pasta, because I find it easiest to mix everything in there before assembling. Add pasta/chicken mix to pasta/cheese mix and stir gently until well blended.
- Pour all into shallow backing dish (a 9x13 will work, I use a similar sized oval baking dish). By keeping it shallow, you'll be sure to get a nice crust.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over top, followed by parmesan. I like to spray a little cooking spray on it to help give nice browning. (You could pour a little melted butter, but the Pam does the trick and saves calories to enjoy for the pasta!).
- Place in preheated oven and bake, uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until bubbling and browned on top.
- Let it sit a few minutes before serving (to allow the cheeses to firm a little and because it is TOO HOT to eat just out of the oven.
- Enjoy!
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!