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Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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Comforting, cheesy chicken pasta bake perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken and pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes, internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Add onion and red bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in diced tomatoes (undrained) and stir to combine with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
  4. While vegetables simmer, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  5. In the skillet with vegetables and tomatoes, stir in cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  6. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss until well coated.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Pour pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  12. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
  • Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach to the dish.
  • Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
  • Make it healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cream of chicken soup to make the dish healthier.
  • Add bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon would be a delicious addition to this dish.
  • Make it ahead: You can assemble the cheesy chicken pasta ahead of time and bake it later. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
  • Freezing: Cheesy chicken pasta can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta/