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In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and stir everything together. Then add the frozen peas, which will cook quickly as the mixture continues to sauté.
3. **Make the Creamy Sauce:**
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens into a creamy sauce, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Combine the Ingredients:**
In the large pan with the vegetables, return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the creamy sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to combine all the ingredients into a creamy, flavorful mixture.
5. **Assemble the Pasta Bake:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed, covering the entire surface of the pasta.
6. **Bake:**
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. If you want a crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to burn it.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once out of the oven, let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot and watch as your family devours it in record time!
### Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Now that you have the recipe, let’s dive into why it’s such a keeper. This dish doesn’t just taste good—it’s the epitome of comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma and makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm blanket. But there’s more to this recipe than just delicious flavors.
#### 1. **It’s Perfect for All Occasions**
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, having friends over for a casual dinner, or simply craving a hearty meal for the week, this creamy chicken and mushroom pasta bake is perfect for every occasion. It’s not too fancy, but it’s special enough to be considered a “showstopper” dish. Grandma always made it for birthdays, holidays, or just when she wanted to surprise us with something wonderful. It’s versatile and adaptable to various dietary preferences as well. You can easily swap out chicken for turkey, use gluten-free pasta, or make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken altogether and using more mushrooms and vegetables.
#### 2. **It’s Simple Yet Flavorful**
This recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients or complicated techniques to create a flavorful dish. It’s built on basic ingredients that most of us already have in our kitchens—chicken, pasta, garlic, onions, and cheese. The creamy sauce, though simple to prepare, brings everything together in a way that makes each bite comforting and indulgent.
#### 3. **It’s Great for Leftovers**
As with most baked pasta dishes, this recipe is just as good the next day (or even the day after). The flavors have time to meld together, and the sauce thickens slightly, making it even more luscious. It’s a great make-ahead meal and perfect for meal prep, as it can easily be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
#### 4. **It Brings People Together**
What really makes this recipe a keeper is its ability to bring people together. Food has a unique way of sparking conversation, fostering memories, and creating moments of joy. As I watched everyone at the dinner table laughing, sharing stories, and reaching for seconds, I realized that this recipe wasn’t just about the food—it was about the memories we were creating as a family.
### Final Thoughts
Every family has those recipes—dishes that have been passed down through generations, loved by all, and continuously made whenever the occasion calls for something truly special. Grandma’s **Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake** is one of those dishes in our family. It’s a recipe that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. It’s hearty, it’s delicious, and it’s impossible to stop eating once you start. So the next time you’re looking for a meal that will leave everyone at the table raving, give this recipe a try. I guarantee it’ll quickly become a keeper in your household, just like it has in mine.
And remember, like Grandma always says, “It’s the food that brings us together, but it’s the love we share that makes it truly unforgettable.” Enjoy!
