Comforting Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake
This is the ultimate comfort food for a brisk March evening. Al dente pasta is combined with succulent pieces of chicken and sautéed mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious, savory cream sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs. Baked until bubbly and topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust, this casserole is incredibly flavorful and perfect for feeding a family.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- 3Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their liquid and turn golden brown. Add chopped onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4Sprinkle flour over the mushroom and onion mixture, stir well, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- 5Stir in softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- 6Pour the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the pasta. If desired, sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, any short, sturdy pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni would work well in this bake.
How can I make this dish richer?
For an even richer sauce, you can substitute heavy cream for some of the milk, or add a pinch of nutmeg.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this pasta bake freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
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