Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious dish, combining tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with a golden crust of melted parmesan. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to make.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 1 skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed (450g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach (fresh)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and spinach, and sauté until the spinach wilts. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the cooked chicken and spinach. Stir well, then gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture, then add the ricotta mixture and stir until well incorporated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if it's cold from the fridge.