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1. Pasta: The foundation of our dish, pasta is the heart of the bake. Options such as penne or rotini work wonderfully, as their shapes hold onto the sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake! Combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Fresh spinach adds a nutritious twist, while a gooey cheese topping creates a satisfying finish. Easy to prepare and customizable, this recipe promises to be a hit at your table. Bring warmth and flavor to your next meal with this delightful bake!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups uncooked penne pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but not hard). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

      Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook it down, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.

        Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well to combine. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and the sautéed garlic and spinach mixture. Pour in the cream sauce and mix thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated with the delicious sauce.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top it generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling, melted, and has a golden brown color on top.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish the pasta bake with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor before serving. Indulge in this comforting, cheesy delight!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    15 min | 45 min | 6 servings