Chikky Chikky Cheese Bake

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this *Chikky Chikky Cheese Bake*! This cheesy casserole combines tender, golden-seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce infused with Italian seasoning and a touch of garlic. Topped with layers of melty cheddar and mozzarella, this dish bakes to bubbly perfection in just 25 minutes. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this hearty, bake-and-serve recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve this creamy chicken pasta bake straight from the oven for a meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked, as they will finish in the oven). Remove from heat, let them cool slightly, and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the cream cheese over low heat. Stir in the sour cream and chicken broth, whisking until smooth and creamy. Add the Italian seasoning and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and the cream cheese sauce. Mix until well coated.

Step 7

Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Add the rest of the pasta mixture and finish with the remaining cheese.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

If desired, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes to get a browned and crispy cheese topping.

Step 10

Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1409.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2874.5

Total Fat 189.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 105.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 772.6mg	0%
Sodium 5405.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 104.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.4g	0%
Total Sugars 23.3g
Protein 198.0g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 2076.8mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 872.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.5%

Protein: 27.2%

Carbs: 14.3%