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Here's a delicious 😋 cheesy pasta dinner recipe with herbed chicken and toasted bread topping that will fill your home with amazing aroma and flavor. This dish is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor!
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🧀🍝 Cheesy Herb Chicken Pasta Bake with Garlic Bread Topping 🍞🌿
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins
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🧂 Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh basil (optional)
For the Cheesy Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for tang)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Bread Topping:
2 cups cubed bread (day-old French bread or sourdough preferred)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon parsley or Italian seasoning
Pinch of salt
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👨🏽🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 mins). Add parsley and basil, then set aside.
3. Make the Cheesy Sauce
In the same skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened (about 5 mins).
Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth.
4. Combine & Assemble
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl or casserole dish.
5. Prepare the Bread Topping
Toss bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, parsley/seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
Spread seasoned bread cubes over the top of the pasta mixture.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bread topping is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
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✨ Optional Toppings
Extra fresh basil or parsley
Crushed red pepper flakes 🌶️
Drizzle of garlic butter on top after baking
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🥗 Serve With:
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
A glass of sparkling water or lemonade 🍋
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🧁 Bonus Tip:
Add cooked broccoli florets or spinach into the pasta for a veggie boost!
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