Name: Cheesy Pasta Bake with Crispy Fried Chicken & Garlic Bread – The Ultimate Comfort Feast!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: For the Cheesy Pasta Bake: 12 oz pasta (penne, cavatappi, or shells); 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups milk or heavy cream; 1 cup pasta sauce or marinara; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt & pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for topping); For the Crispy Fried Chicken: 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into fillets or left whole; 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar as halal substitute); 1 tsp hot sauce (optional); 1 ½ cups flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Oil for frying; For the Garlic Bread: 6 slices thick bread or baguette; 1/4 cup melted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 1/4 tsp salt

Description

This Cheesy Pasta Bake with Crispy Fried Chicken and buttery Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort feast! Perfectly seasoned, creamy, and indulgent — it combines tender pasta, gooey cheese, golden fried chicken, and garlic-parsley bread for the ultimate dinner everyone will crave.

Ingredients

For the Cheesy Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, cavatappi, or shells)
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup pasta sauce or marinara
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for topping)
For the Crispy Fried Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into fillets or left whole
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar as halal substitute)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Garlic Bread:
- 6 slices thick bread or baguette
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk or cream until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add both cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Mix in marinara or pasta sauce.
Assemble the Pasta Bake: Toss cooked pasta with cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese and chopped parsley on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Make the Fried Chicken: Marinate chicken in buttermilk (and hot sauce if using) for 30 minutes. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour and fry in hot oil (350°F/175°C) until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Garlic Bread: Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush over bread slices. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve cheesy pasta bake with crispy fried chicken and warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort feast!

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, meltiest sauce — pre-shredded cheese can make it grainy.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
The chicken can also be air-fried or oven-baked for a lighter version.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days — reheat covered to keep everything moist and cheesy.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked & Fried
Cuisine: American Comfort Food