Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 bottle Italian dressing (1.49$)
- 1 block cream cheese (1.50$)
- 1 box penne pasta (0.99$)
- Small bag of Parmesan cheese (2.50$)
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Box of breadsticks (1.50$)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in a crockpot and pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over them.
- Put the block of cream cheese on top of the chicken and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp of pepper.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Midway through cooking, add half of the bag of Parmesan cheese to the crockpot.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred it in the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce and melted cream cheese.
- Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the crockpot, stirring well to combine the pasta with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Top the pasta and chicken with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Bake hot with a side of breadsticks.
Optional:
- If you like, you can broil the dish in the oven for a few minutes to get a golden, cheesy crust on top.
Note: This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also kid-friendly. It provides a delicious and satisfying meal for a family of five with leftovers for the next day. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy Italian flavors in every bite!