Baked Chicken Pasta

Here’s a comforting and delicious Baked Chicken Pasta recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained (optional)
• 1 cup cooked broccoli florets (optional)

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken:
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded or diced chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the seasoning. Set aside.

Cook the Pasta:

2. Boil the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

3. Mix the Sauce:
   In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Mix well. If using, stir in the thawed spinach and cooked broccoli.
4. Combine with Chicken:
   Add the cooked chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.

Bake the Pasta:

5. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Assemble:
   Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar size ovenproof dish. Spread the mixture evenly.
7. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
8. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:

9. Garnish:
   Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
10. Serve:
    Serve the Baked Chicken Pasta hot with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Baked Chicken Pasta!