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- 2 cups rotini or penne pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie for added flavor) - 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided) - ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh pasta will cook better and taste nicer. Quality chicken, like rotisserie, adds flavor. Homemade marinara sauce often tastes richer than store-bought. Fresh cheeses melt better, giving a creamier texture. Always check the expiration dates on your dairy products. You can use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal. If you want a lighter option, swap ricotta for cottage cheese. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Use vegan cheese to make it dairy-free. Adjust the spices to fit your taste or dietary needs. First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat makes the cheese melt perfectly. While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini or penne pasta to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta well and let it cool slightly. This step ensures the pasta does not become mushy in the bake. In a big mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning for flavor. Mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, about ¾ cup. Stir everything together until well-blended. Gently fold in the cooled pasta. Make sure each piece of pasta gets coated. Taste the mixture, and add salt and pepper based on your liking. Now, pour the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. This creates a cheesy crust that everyone loves. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden top with slightly crispy edges. After baking, let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors mix and makes serving easier. If you want, add fresh basil leaves on top for a nice touch. Enjoy the deliciousness! To get a perfect cheese crust, use a mix of cheeses. I like to use mozzarella and Parmesan. Spread the cheeses evenly over the top. This helps create a golden, bubbly layer. Baking at 375°F (190°C) works best. Bake it until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. If you want a crunchier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just watch it closely to avoid burning! Want to save time? Use rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and cuts down on prep. You can also cook the pasta in advance. This way, you only need to mix and bake. Pre-measure your ingredients. This small step makes cooking faster and easier. Another tip is to use store-bought marinara sauce. It tastes great and saves time. Cooking pasta can be tricky. Start with a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to your pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, or firm to the bite. This helps the pasta hold its shape in the bake. Don't forget to drain the pasta well. You want it to be slightly dry before mixing it with the sauce. {{image_4}} You can make this dish healthier. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal. Zucchini noodles are a great low-carb option. They add a fresh taste and reduce carbs. You can also replace ricotta with cottage cheese. This switch lowers fat and adds protein. Get creative with your ingredients! Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. These veggies bring color and nutrients. You can also use different proteins, like turkey or tofu. Each choice adds a new flavor and texture. Spice up your dish with different flavors. Try adding crushed red pepper for heat. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. You can also experiment with herbs, like fresh parsley or cilantro. Using pesto instead of marinara gives a fresh twist. These options keep each meal exciting and new. To keep your Parmesan chicken pasta bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Wait until it cools before sealing the container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. Reheating your pasta bake can be simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes. Check it to ensure it's hot throughout. You can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispy top. If you want to freeze your pasta bake, make sure it cools completely first. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. It will stay fresh for about three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating steps for best results. Enjoy your delicious meal at your convenience! You can use uncooked chicken, but it needs more cooking time. Start by cooking the chicken fully before mixing it with the other ingredients. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and tender. Rotini and penne are great choices because their shapes hold sauce well. Other pasta shapes like fusilli or ziti also work nicely. Just choose a pasta that you love! To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for cooked mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add beans for protein. Keep the other ingredients the same for a tasty meal. For the complete list of ingredients and detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. You’ll find everything you need to create this tasty Parmesan chicken pasta bake. Enjoy cooking! This post covered essential ingredients, baking steps, and tips for the recipe. You learned how to pick the best ingredients and ensure fresh flavors shine through. Adapting the recipe for health needs is easy with simple swaps. I shared cooking tips that save time and improve taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to maintain flavor and texture. With these insights, you can create a successful dish every time. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and variations to suit your taste!

Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Satisfy your cheesy cravings with this Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe! It's an easy, baked pasta dish packed with tender chicken, rich marinara, and a trio of creamy cheeses. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this delicious pasta bake bursts with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and make this comforting meal your new family favorite!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini or penne pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie for added flavor)

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)

¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese (about ¾ cup). Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

        Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture, ensuring each piece of pasta is evenly coated. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed.

          Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

            Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture, creating a deliciously cheesy crust.

              Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the edges are slightly crispy.

                Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.

                  For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, adding a pop of color and freshness to your dish.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta bake directly from the dish, or portion it into individual plates for a more elegant presentation. A drizzle of extra marinara on the side can enhance the visual appeal. Enjoy!