Description
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: the Garlic-Infused Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole! This dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken, rich garlic flavor, and creamy parmesan cheese all enveloped in a cozy pasta embrace. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings the family together.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
Pasta
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)
Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Garlic
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables
- 1 cup spinach or broccoli (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed garlic, shredded chicken, heavy cream, and half of the parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining parmesan cheese for that golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember that the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so aim for al dente.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Cover with Foil: If the top browns too quickly in the oven, cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding breadcrumbs or additional herbs on top for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Garlic, Parmesan, Chicken, Pasta, Casserole, Comfort Food, Quick Meal