Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Transform your weeknight dinners with this delightful Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake! This dish combines tender chunks of marinated chicken with perfectly cooked wide egg noodles, all enveloped in a luscious, rich Parmesan white sauce. It's a family favorite that's not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal that can be enjoyed fresh or frozen for later. Simply adjust the cheese and cream to your liking for a recipe that suits your taste buds! Perfect for busy evenings, serve it straight from the oven or as an impressive dish at a gathering. Try it as a hearty main course or as a delicious side dish; the possibilities are endless!
4
Servings
450
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wide egg noodles
12 ounces (Cook according to package instructions)
Ranch dressing mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (Use in mixture with noodles)
Half-and-half
1/2 cup (Use more if a creamier sauce is desired)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Add more for extra flavor)
Butter or margarine
1/2 cup (Melted in skillet)
Boneless chicken breasts
4 whole (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Ranch dressing
8 ounces (For marinating chicken)
Instructions
1
Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
2
Pour the 8 ounces of ranch dressing over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, up to 8 hours.
3
In a large pot, cook the wide egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
4
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
5
In the pot with the drained noodles, add the ranch dressing mix, half-and-half, and half a cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and let it warm over low heat.
6
Add the cooked chicken to the noodle mixture and mix until well incorporated. If desired, adjust the creaminess of the sauce by adding more half-and-half. Add more Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
7
Serve immediately, or allow to cool slightly before transferring to a freezer-safe container for later use. If freezing, consider undercooking the noodles slightly to maintain their texture after reheating.
8
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat in the microwave, adding more half-and-half as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting weeknight meal that combines marinated chicken with wide egg noodles in a rich Parmesan white sauce.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 whole boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 4 people.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
What do I use to marinate the chicken?
Use 8 ounces of ranch dressing to coat and marinate the chicken pieces.
What type of noodles are recommended?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of wide egg noodles cooked until al dente.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
The chicken should be cooked over medium heat for approximately 7 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
What ingredients make up the creamy sauce?
The sauce is created by mixing ranch dressing mix, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese with the cooked noodles.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The base recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, but you can add more for extra flavor.
Can I make the pasta bake more creamy?
Yes, you can adjust the creaminess by adding more half-and-half to the noodle mixture.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, this is a freezable meal that can be stored in a freezer-safe container for later use.
How should I reheat the frozen pasta bake?
Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave, adding extra half-and-half for consistency.
Should I cook the noodles differently if I plan to freeze the meal?
Yes, it is recommended to undercook the noodles slightly so they stay firm after reheating.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving provides about 20 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of butter or margarine to cook the chicken.
What size package of ranch dressing mix is needed?
You will need one 1 1/4 ounce package of ranch dressing mix.
Is this recipe considered quick to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and an easy recipe suitable for busy evenings.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
When do I add the ranch dressing mix?
Add the ranch dressing mix to the pot with the drained noodles along with the half-and-half and cheese.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it can be served as a hearty main course or as a delicious side dish.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
The chicken should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat.
How much half-and-half is required initially?
The recipe starts with 1/2 cup of half-and-half.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Absolutely, it is described as a family favorite that is satisfying and comforting.
What is the texture of the chicken after cooking?
The chicken should be tender, golden brown, and well-incorporated with the sauce.
Can I add more cheese on top?
Yes, you can adjust the cheese to your liking for a recipe that suits your taste buds.
What type of meal category does this fall under?
It is categorized as a one-dish meal and a pasta bake.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.