Three Cheese Chicken & Rotini Pasta Casserole
This three cheese chicken and rotini pasta casserole is a cheesy pasta bake that makes a full meal out of macaroni and cheese. This chicken mac and cheese features a velvety cheese sauce and tender piece of chicken for a hearty comforting meal.
Servings: 6
Calories: 610kcal
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry rotini pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup flour
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups half & half (or whole milk)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2-3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
Instructions
- Spray an 11x7" casserole dish with non stick cooking spray, and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, run under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic cooking just until fragrant, about 30-45 seconds. Don't over cook and let the garlic burn or turn bitter.
- Whisk in the flour and pepper until smooth, and cook until the mixture's bubbling. Whisk in the half & half, a little at a time, until completely incorporated and simmer until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stir in 3/4 cups of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and the Parmesan cheese, whisking until completely melted and the cheese sauce is smooth.
- Add the pasta & chicken to the sauce, stirring gently until everything's evenly combined and generously coated in the cheese sauce.
- Spread the mixture out evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly out overtop. You can be a little generous and add a bit extra for added cheese effect.
- Bake the dish at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish's bubbly throughout and the cheeses are melted and golden brown at the edges. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before scooping and serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic. If it burns, it will get bitter.
- Want to add some veggie action into the mix? Add some steamed broccoli. Peas & carrots also work. You could even use diced tomatoes & green chiles for a Tex Mex spin.
- Add extra cheese on top for a real cheesy treat!
Nutrition
Calories: 610kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 677mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 808IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 375mg | Iron: 1mg