Ingredients
- Pasta: I recommend using penne or ziti for this recipe. These shapes hold the sauce and cheese beautifully. Other short pastas like rigatoni or cavatappi work well, too.
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, tender, and provide the perfect balance to the cheesy sauce. You can grill, bake, or poach the chicken before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cheese: The cheese is the star of this dish. I use a combination of shredded mozzarella for meltiness and grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Seasonings: Garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper round out the flavors, making each bite taste amazing.
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta and Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken in a pan until it’s fully cooked and white. Then, slice it into pieces.
- Create the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheddar, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with extra cheese, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose the Best Cheese: For a rich and creamy sauce, combine sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and tangy Parmesan. Shredding the cheese yourself ensures it melts smoothly.
- Use Short, Tube-Shaped Pasta: Short pastas like penne or rigatoni work best for this dish. Their shape helps trap the sauce, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.
- Cook the Chicken Properly: For the best flavor, sear the chicken in a pan until golden brown before adding it to the casserole. This adds a beautiful caramelized flavor.
- Add Your Own Twist: Feel free to add extra ingredients like fresh herbs, crispy breadcrumbs, or vegetables to customize the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes / Entrees
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg