Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake Comfort Food Reimagined

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake Easy Comfort Food
By Mia Westlake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a rotisserie chicken pasta bake that tastes like a hug? Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? It's creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy!

Brief Overview

This bad boy is inspired by classic American comfort food. It is so easy even your nan could make it.

Prep takes around 20 mins, cook time is 30 mins. This comfort food recipe will feed six to eight hungry souls.

Main Benefits

This recipe is especially good for those busy weeknights! It's packed with protein and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

This creamy chicken pasta bake is special because it uses rotisserie chicken talk about a shortcut!

Okay, let's get this show on the road!

Let's Talk Ingredients: The Building Blocks

We're talking about pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and veggies. Easy weeknight dinner , sorted. Don't be scared by the list.

You can customize this chicken pasta bake recipe to your liking!

Sauce tastic!

The secret? The rich, homemade cheese sauce, made from butter, flour, milk, and good cheese! The Gruyere and cheddar melt together beautifully, creating a smooth, delicious sauce.

A pinch of nutmeg adds that something extra special.

The Chicken & Veggie Dream Team

Rotisserie chicken is the hero here. Frozen peas and carrots make life easier but feel free to use fresh ones. Celery adds a nice crunch. Parsley brings a touch of freshness.

Putting It All Together: step-by-step

Preheat . Cook . Combine. It’s that simple.

First, you preheat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . While that’s heating up, cook your favorite short pasta.

Think penne, rotini, or cavatappi. Don't overcook it! Al dente is the name of the game.

Creating the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole .

Next, the sauce. Melt butter, whisk in flour. Pour in milk gradually. Stir in those cheeses! Once the sauce is smooth and cheesy, mix it with the cooked pasta, chicken, and veggies.

Now, get ready to combine this delicious ingredients.

Bake, Baby, Bake!

Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Bake for 30 minutes. The baked pasta dishes with chicken are perfect to serve hot! Let it cool slightly before serving to prevent any burning.

The result? A golden brown, bubbly rotisserie chicken casserole of pure comfort. This is one of the quick chicken dinner ideas that I can call one of my favorites.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Okay, let's get this show on the road! We are talking about the best rotisserie chicken pasta bake ! This recipe is gonna be a game changer. Trust me!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

  • 1 pound (450g) short pasta (penne, rotini, cavatappi)
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) salt, for pasta water
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups (950ml) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) nutmeg (trust me on this one!)
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 cups (about 450g) shredded rotisserie chicken (skin off!)
  • 1 cup (120g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup (120g) frozen carrots, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (50g) chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup (5g) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup (55g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted

For the chicken, the fresher the better! It is the key to this easy weeknight dinner . I always grab one that's still warm from the store.

Good quality cheese will really make the sauce sing. Think: nutty and flavorful!

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You

This recipe uses the basics but feel free to add more! A pinch of red pepper flakes is all you need.

It's all about that umami , baby! Nutmeg in the sauce is my secret weapon. Don't skip it!

If you're out of Gruyere, use Swiss or Fontina.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Don't have a fancy baking dish? No worries! Any oven safe dish will work. Just make sure it's big enough. This creamy chicken pasta bake is about to become your new favorite! It is comfort food recipes heaven.

This rotisserie chicken casserole will be delicious!.

Time to Bake Some Comfort: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake

Okay, let's get this show on the road! We're diving headfirst into the world of comfort food recipes with this rotisserie chicken pasta bake .

Honestly, who can resist a creamy chicken pasta bake ? It’s like a warm hug on a plate. This isn't just your average casserole; it's a leveled-up, flavor packed experience.

The best part? It’s so easy you can make it on a weeknight dinner . Honestly, you won't go back!

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!

First things first, we've got to get our ducks in a row. This is the essential mise en place ! You know, all that fancy chef talk for "get everything ready before you start.

" Trust me, it saves time and your sanity. Roughly chop that celery, shred the cheese, and thaw those frozen veggies.

This rotisserie chicken pasta bake is about to be amazing. I learned to mise-en-place the hard way, after burning a whole batch of caramel sauce.

Let's not repeat my mistakes, ok?

step-by-step: Building a Masterpiece

  1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease that 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
  2. Cook 1 pound (450g) of pasta until al dente . Don't overcook it! Trust me.
  3. Melt 4 tablespoons (57g) of butter in a pan, whisk in 1/2 cup (60g) flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 4 cups (950ml) milk until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) pepper, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) nutmeg, 1 cup (115g) Gruyere, and 1 cup (115g) cheddar until melted.
  4. Combine your cooked pasta, the cheese sauce, 3 cups (450g) shredded rotisserie chicken , 1 cup (120g) thawed peas and carrots, 1/2 cup (50g) celery, and 1/4 cup (5g) parsley in a bowl.
  5. Pour it all into that greased baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup (55g) panko mixed with 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbly.
  7. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Rotisserie Chicken Recipes Easy

  • Don't overcook the pasta! You want it al dente so it holds its shape.
  • Use good quality cheese for the best flavour.
  • Make it ahead! Assemble the cheesy chicken pasta casserole and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Just add 10 minutes to the baking time.

Honestly, this chicken pot pie pasta is going to be a game changer. You can put your creative twist on it.

Remember to use the proper tools such as a mandoline to cut your veggies. It's an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like you slaved away for hours.

Get ready for some serious comfort food recipes !

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake

Okay, let's get this show on the road! Before you dive into making this unbelievably delicious rotisserie chicken pasta bake , let’s chat about some insider tips to make it a smash hit.

Honestly, even with a super easy recipe, a few extra pointers can really elevate your cooking game. Let me share some insights to transform this into an amazing creamy chicken pasta bake .

Serving Suggestions: From Oven to Table Like a Pro

This chicken pasta bake recipe is already a showstopper. But presentation? That’s where you can really wow your guests. I like to serve each portion with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

A sprig of thyme? Even better.

For sides, think light and fresh. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, garlic bread is always a winner especially for soaking up that cheesy sauce.

For a easy weeknight dinner , consider a Dry White Wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. Trust me, it pairs beautifully.

Storage Tips: Making It Last (If It Can!)

Let's be real. Leftovers rarely last long with this comfort food recipes . But if you have any, here's the lowdown.

For refrigeration, store the bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days .

Freezing? Yep, you can! Cut the baked pasta dishes with chicken into individual portions. Wrap them tightly in cling film, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months .

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through and bubbly.

Variations: Your Bake, Your Way

This is where you get to be creative! Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. Suddenly, it’s a spicy rotisserie chicken casserole !

Got vegetarian friends? Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. It’s still a total winner.

And if you're avoiding gluten, use gluten-free pasta and flour for the sauce. Adaptations: Spicy version and Vegetarian. Simple!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Here's the skinny on the nutritional side. Each serving packs around 450 calories, 30g of protein, 25g of fat, and 35g of carbs.

Of course, this is just an estimate it depends on the exact ingredients you use. One thing is for sure: This cheesy chicken pasta casserole is packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese.

It's a satisfying, feel good meal that’ll keep you going. Perfect quick chicken dinner ideas .

Honestly, making this rotisserie chicken recipes easy is a breeze. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this rotisserie chicken pasta bake ahead of time? Like, prepping it on Sunday for a Wednesday dinner?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire rotisserie chicken pasta bake up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

It's a total game changer for busy weeknights, a real "set it and forget it" kind of thing!

My family isn't a fan of Gruyere. What other cheese can I use in this pasta bake?

No worries, Gruyere isn't everyone's cup of tea! You can easily substitute it with other cheeses that melt well and have a slightly nutty flavor. Good options include Swiss cheese, Fontina, or even a mild provolone.

The cheddar cheese in the recipe is pretty flexible too, so you can swap it out for a Monterey Jack cheese if that's what you've got knocking about.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any ways to lighten up this rotisserie chicken pasta bake?

Definitely! You can use skim milk instead of whole milk in the cheese sauce to reduce the fat content. Whole wheat pasta is a good shout and you can also increase the amount of vegetables and reduce the amount of pasta or cheese used to keep those calories at bay.

Also, consider using part skim mozzarella for a lower fat, healthier, take!

How long will leftover rotisserie chicken pasta bake last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Leftover rotisserie chicken pasta bake will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, but for a more even heat, try baking it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

You might want to add a splash of milk or broth to keep it from drying out nobody wants a dried out pasta bake, do they?

Can I freeze the rotisserie chicken pasta bake? I often cook for just myself but hate wasting food.

Yes, you can freeze it! For best results, freeze it before baking. Assemble the pasta bake in a freezer safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. Freezing cooked pasta dishes is always a great way to cut down on costs.

I'm not a fan of peas and carrots. What else could I put in my rotisserie chicken pasta bake?

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! Broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some spinach would work beautifully in this pasta bake. Roasting the vegetables beforehand can also enhance their flavor and prevent them from being soggy in the final dish.

Think of it like a blank canvas, time to get artsy, innit?

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake Comfort Food Reima

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake Easy Comfort Food Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:20 Mins
Cooking time:30 Mins
Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories450 calories
Fat25g
Fiber3g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineAmerican

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