Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake
Indulge in a rich and satisfying pasta dish that will become a staple in your household. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
Recipe Overview
To make this delicious Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake, consider the following details:
Prep and Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Difficulty Level: Medium
Ingredients and Instructions
Necessary Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 2 cups (120g) mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
- 1 cup (120g) grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly reduced.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and let it heat through in the sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken and mushroom sauce, and stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Chef’s Notes and Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with roasted eggplant or zucchini. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Tips for Success
Some tips to keep in mind:
* Use a variety of mushrooms for a deeper flavor profile.
* Don’t overcook the pasta to ensure it holds up to the creamy sauce.
* Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Storage and Reheating
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 540 | 35g | 37g | 24g | 5g |
Frequently Asked Questions
You might have some questions about making the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake:
* What type of pasta works best for this recipe? A short, sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni holds up well to the creamy sauce.
* Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble and bake when ready.
* Is this recipe suitable for a special diet? This recipe can be adapted for a gluten-free diet by using gluten-free pasta, but it is not suitable for a low-fat or low-calorie diet due to the heavy cream and cheese.
Conclusion
With its rich, creamy sauce and satisfying combination of chicken, mushrooms, and pasta, the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting, homemade taste of a perfectly baked pasta dish.
