Indulge in the simplicity of this baked chicken pasta dish. Made with hearty penne pasta and succulent rotisserie chicken, it's a swift rendition of the classic chicken alfredo bake. Pair it with some garlic bread and a crisp green salad for an effortless weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cubed rotisserie chicken for added protein.
- A pinch of ground nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon of butter to bring richness to the sauce.
- ½ cup of heavy cream for a creamy texture.
- 2 cups of penne pasta, a classic choice for pasta dishes.
- ½ cup of 1% milk for a lighter touch in the sauce.
- 1 clove of minced garlic to infuse the dish with aromatic flavor.
- 1 ½ tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for a luxurious finish.
Directions:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook it until it's tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally for about 11 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for approximately 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Next, whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste, creating the base for the creamy sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk and cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Stir in three-quarters of the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese along with a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor.
- Once the sauce is well combined, add the drained penne pasta and cooked chicken, stirring until they are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy this delicious homemade chicken alfredo pasta bake with your loved ones!