A Comfort Food Classic: The Savory Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

A Comfort Food Classic: The Savory Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

Let’s dive into the creation process, shall we? This is an easy, creamy chicken pasta bake that doesn’t compromise on flavor. This dish is all about quality ingredients and the simple magic that happens when they meld together in the oven.

What You’ll Need

• Shredded chicken: Cooked and ready to join the creamy symphony of flavors.

• Pasta: Cooked macaroni noodles, the ideal carrier for our creamy garlic mushroom sauce.

• Dairy: Heavy cream, Parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella. These are the dream team behind the creaminess in our creamy garlic chicken pasta.

• Vegetables: Yellow bell pepper, onion, and sliced mushrooms. They add a nice balance to the rich creaminess.

• Seasonings: Garlic (minced and powdered), nutmeg, oregano, dried chili flakes, and parsley. These are the secret behind that addictive savory kick.

• Others: Olive oil, butter, vegetable, or chicken bouillon cube dissolved in water, and white pepper.

The Steps

With ingredients ready, it’s time to create magic. Here’s how to turn the ingredients into a creamy garlic chicken pasta bake that would be the talk of any Southern-style dinner:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven and gather your ingredients. We want everything within reach for a smooth cooking experience.

2. Cooking the vegetables: In a large skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. They should be soft and fragrant.

3. Flavor infusion: Add garlic, chicken, and spices into the skillet and mix. The aroma at this point will make you want to skip to the end. Patience, my friend!

4. Creamy transformation: The cream cheese, heavy cream, and bouillon water go in next. You’ll simmer this until it thickens slightly.

5. Mixing pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Mix it well so that every strand of pasta is coated with the delicious sauce.

6. Cheese topping: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it evenly with the cheeses, and then bake until golden and bubbling.

Don’t forget to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully, and it makes slicing easier. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top, and voila! You have a dish that answers the craving for the best creamy chicken pasta bake recipe.

Nutritional Values and Notes

Each serving of this heavenly dish offers:

• Calories: 570

• Fat: 35g

• Saturated Fat: 20g

• Protein: 32g

• Carbs: 31g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

• Sodium: 520mg

Remember, these values are estimates. Actual numbers can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Why Is This Dish A Must-Try?

This dish isn’t just an easy creamy chicken pasta bake; it’s a hearty, warming, family-friendly meal that satisfies every forkful. The creamy garlic-baked chicken thighs combine with the pasta in a way that’s more than the sum of their parts. And the creamy garlic mushroom sauce – it’s something to write home about!

While you might have tried different variations, like a creamy chicken pasta bake with cream of chicken soup or a creamy chicken pasta bake with no cream, this recipe brings together the best aspects of them all.

Final Thoughts

So, what are you waiting for? This creamy garlic chicken pasta recipe is calling your name. It’s time to put on your apron and bring the joy of comfort food right into your kitchen. And if you’re looking for more quick meals for families or southern-style cooking ideas, stay tuned to my blog. I have lots of great recipes coming your way!

So, hit the kitchen and give this recipe a go. Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Savory Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake turned out. Remember, cooking is an adventure. Enjoy the journey, and the destination will be even sweeter!

Savory Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

Servings: 4-6 servings

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Inactive time: 15 minutes

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 65 minutes

Description: Discover the bliss of this creamy, savory garlic chicken pasta bake that boasts tender chicken, al dente macaroni, and a garlic-infused creamy sauce, accentuated with a burst of mushroom flavor. It’s truly a dinner delight!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1 vegetable or chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes
• 2 cups cooked macaroni noodles
• 1 can (8 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms, sauté until soft and fragrant, around 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.
4. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, oregano, nutmeg, salt, white pepper, and dried chili flakes. Stir well.
5. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Pour in the heavy cream, bouillon water, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the skillet and mix until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it evenly with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Values (Per Serving):

• Calories: 570
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 520mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific portion sizes and ingredient brands)

Notes:

1. Add extra vegetables like spinach for an additional nutrient boost.
2. This dish can be prepared ahead of time, covered, and refrigerated. Simply bake when ready to serve!
3. For a crispier top, place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes after baking.
4. Be sure to let the bake rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and for easier slicing.
5. Feel free to use fresh mushrooms instead of canned. Just cook them until they’ve released their water and started to brown before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.