If you’re looking for a warm and cozy dinner idea, look no further! The Creamy Chicken Fusilli Bake is a delightful dish that you can whip up easily. It’s packed with flavor and comfort, making it great for families or a simple weeknight meal.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days! It combines pasta, chicken, and veggies in a creamy sauce that everyone will love. Plus, it's quick to make and perfect for using up ingredients you might already have at home. You'll start getting requests for this dish regularly!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Fusilli Bake
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fusilli pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook fusilli according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add peas, carrots, and chicken, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and cheddar, heating until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated with sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish if desired, or serve straight from the skillet.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Fusilli Bake
This dish is wonderful served hot straight from the skillet or in a baking dish for family-style serving. You can add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for a cheesy bite or some fresh bread on the side for a full meal.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Fusilli Bake
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 days. When you want to reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Fusilli Bake
- Always cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or spinach.
- Adding cooked bacon can give it an extra smoky flavor!
Variation
You can easily make this a vegetarian dish by leaving out the chicken and adding more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. Just swap the chicken with some chickpeas for added protein!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
A1: Yes! You can sauté fresh chicken breast first until fully cooked, then shred it before adding it to the dish.
Q2: Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
A2: Absolutely! You can use gluten-free fusilli pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Q3: Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Fusilli Bake?
A3: Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months.