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Four Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Four Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
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Four Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious four-cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe that offers a warm, hearty meal suitable for any night of the week, with customizable options for added veggies, spice, or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

Cheese Blend

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese

Dairy & Sauce Base

  • 2 cups milk or cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried or fresh)

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra shredded cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk or cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and the four types of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese). Stir until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta and chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring all components are well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh block cheeses and grate them yourself for better melting and flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta before baking to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Allow the dish to rest after baking to set and make serving easier.
  • Adjust cheese ratios according to your preferred balance of creaminess and sharpness.
  • Add crunchy toppings like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crisp crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: four cheese chicken pasta bake, cheesy chicken pasta, baked pasta dish, comfort food, creamy pasta bake, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/four-cheese-chicken-pasta-bake/