There’s nothing quite like a cozy casserole to warm up your home and your heart. This Chicken and Pasta Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Packed with tender pieces of chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special gathering with loved ones. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and make some magic in the kitchen!
Chicken and Pasta Casserole
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken
– 2 cups of uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 cup of milk
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. To the skillet, add the cooked and shredded chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk until well combined.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture in the skillet. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and pasta, stirring to coat everything evenly.
7. Gently fold in half of the shredded cheese into the mixture. Transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
9. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Pasta Casserole straight from the oven. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete dinner that will be loved by all. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make this casserole a true comfort food classic. Make it once, and it will surely become a regular in your meal rotation.
