Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

Here’s a simple recipe for Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups of cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta works well)
• 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (optional)
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the shredded cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using).
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, and frozen peas (if using). Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and pasta mixture, and toss until everything is well coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs over the Parmesan cheese for an extra crunchy topping.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your creamy chicken pasta bake!