Cheesy Pasta Bake with Beef or Chicken

A cheesy and creamy pasta bake made with your choice of beef or chicken, topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. It’s a simple, filling dish that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or 1 lb. chicken breast (cubed or shredded)
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
1 bottle spaghetti sauce or make your own
1 bottle alfredo sauce or make your own
1 small onion minced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

Instructions

Cook the Protein:
For beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with minced onion and garlic. Drain excess fat and set aside.
For chicken: Cook chicken in a skillet until browned and fully cooked through. Add minced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant, then set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauces: In the skillet with the cooked beef or chicken, add the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine. Let simmer for a few minutes.
Mix the Noodles: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the alfredo sauce.
Assemble the Casserole: Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, then top with the beef or chicken and spaghetti sauce mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Place the casserole in a 350°F oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
For extra flavor, try adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil to the sauce.
This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.