Pickle Chip Crusted Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

Tender chicken, creamy pasta, and a crunchy pickle chip crust create a tangy, comforting main ideal for weeknights.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 10.5 ounces penne or rotini pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (12 ounces), diced
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 - 1.5 cups whole milk
10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Pickle Chip Crust

16 - 2.5 ounces dill pickle-flavored potato chips, crushed (about 2 cups)
17 - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
18 - 2 tablespoons melted butter
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until golden and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and reserve.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
05 - Gradually whisk milk into the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
06 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, Dijon mustard, paprika, and dill. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to preferred taste.
07 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, cheese sauce, and chopped dill pickles. Mix thoroughly.
08 - Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
09 - Mix crushed pickle chips, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter in a bowl until well combined.
10 - Evenly distribute the crust mixture over the pasta. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the surface is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
11 - Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses pantry staple pasta and easy-to-find ingredients
  • Satisfies both pickle lovers and cheese fans in a single bite
  • Can be prepped ahead and baked fresh for family dinners or potlucks
02 -
  • Crunchy chip topping keeps its texture even after reheating
  • Recipe is kid friendly but still exciting enough for adults
  • Easy to adapt for leftovers or dietary swaps
03 -
  • Taste your cheese sauce before combining with pasta and adjust seasoning to your liking
  • Crush the dill pickle chips by hand for chunkier topping or with a food processor for fine uniform crunch
  • If you crave more tang drizzle a spoonful of pickle brine over the casserole before topping with chips

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