Cheddar Chicken Pasta BakeCheddar Chicken Pasta Bake

Byzitouni

🛒 What You’ll Need

  • 1 lb Rotini or fusilli pasta 🍝
  • 2 cups Cooked chicken, cubed or shredded 🍗
  • 2 cups Marinara or crushed tomato sauce 🍅
  • 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for that golden crust!) 🧀
  • ½ cup Mozzarella cheese (for the perfect cheese pull!) 🧀
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color!) 🌿

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prep the Pasta: Cook your pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. 🍝🌊✨
  2. The Sauce Base: In a large skillet or pot, combine the tomato sauce, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. 🍅🌪️💎
  3. Mix it Up: Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce until every noodle is perfectly coated. 🍗🤝🤤
  4. The Cheesy Layer: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Cover the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. 🧀🌊✨
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown around the edges as seen in the photo! ⏲️📈🔥
  6. The Fresh Finish: Immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley while it’s still sizzling. 🌿🎨🙌
  7. Serve: Scoop out big, cheesy helpings and enjoy the ultimate comfort food! 🍽️😋🧤✨

🔥 Pro Tips:

  • The “Golden Crust” Secret: For that extra-crispy cheese top shown in the photo, pop the skillet under the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking! 🧀🛡️💎
  • The “Veggies” Hack: Fold in some steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers before baking to sneak in some extra nutrients for the kids! 🥦🫑🎯

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