Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of penne pasta, cooked in salted water as per package instructions
- 3 cups of diced cooked chicken
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use cooking spray to lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish.
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring well, and cook for an additional minute to remove the raw flavor.
- Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine. Continue to whisk the mixture and let it simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and diced chicken. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the top, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well-coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and the cheese on top turns golden brown.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta, a creamy and comforting meal perfect for any day of the week!