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My Nana's Trays

A comforting, creamy casserole featuring pasta, chicken, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne works wonderfully)
  • 1 cup diced chicken breast (cooked) Can be replaced with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
  • 1 cup cream cheese (softened) Ensure it is at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste Adjust for your family's preference.
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and milk until smooth.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Fold in the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
  5. Transfer this creamy mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese on top.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes. Avoid cooking the dish at too high a temperature to prevent sauce separation. This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated.