Chicken Rotini Bake
Indulge in the comforting, cheesy delight of Chicken Rotini Bake, a hearty pasta casserole that's perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. This dish features tender rotini pasta coated in a rich, creamy marinara sauce, paired with juicy, seasoned chicken breast for a protein-packed meal. Layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese create an irresistible golden topping, while a hint of garlic and Italian seasoning adds a burst of classic flavor. Easy to prepare in just under an hour, this one-dish wonder is baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a household favorite. Keywords: chicken rotini bake recipe, creamy pasta bake, easy casserole dinner, cheesy chicken pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, and then dice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Lower the heat, then stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, sauce, diced chicken, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3709 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 190.7 g | 244% | |
| Saturated Fat | 91.4 g | 457% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 662 mg | 221% | |
| Sodium | 5917 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 287.3 g | 104% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.1 g | ||
| Protein | 179.2 g | 358% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2282 mg | 176% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 1764 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
