Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the convenience of rotisserie chicken with the irresistible comfort of cheesy baked pasta? Look no further! This game-changing recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine tender pasta, succulent rotisserie chicken, and earthy mushrooms, all smothered in rich marinara and blanketed with melted mozzarella and Parmesan – it's like a warm culinary hug that's ready in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and sliced mushrooms. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Pour marinara sauce over the pasta mixture and stir to coat all ingredients thoroughly. The sauce will help bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta, ensuring even coverage.
- Dust the top with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle Italian seasoning for additional flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with slight golden edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the best melting and flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- For extra flavor, lightly sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the mix.
- If you want a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but you can also use leftover grilled or roasted chicken.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheeses and add some spinach or zucchini to the mix.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
