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Creamy Italian Chicken Casserole

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Tender chicken pieces in a creamy sauce, topped with melty cheese, and baked until golden and bubbling. A comforting and easy dinner idea perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite small pasta shape)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
  6. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir until smooth.
  7. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, pasta, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top if desired.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  11. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

[‘Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver for this recipe.’, ‘Boil pasta until al dente to avoid a mushy texture.’, ‘Taste the sauce before mixing to adjust seasoning.’, ‘Feel free to customize vegetables or add extra cheese for a unique twist.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy chicken casserole, Italian casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, family dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-italian-chicken-casserole-recipe-best-easy-dinner-idea/