Begin by cooking the pasta shells as directed on the package, omitting salt. Drain the water and set them aside. Be careful; the shells can be slippery! This is where you can get creative and keep an eye out for little fingers trying to snatch a shell from the bowl.
Next, spray a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick spray. This step is essential to prevent the dish from sticking. Spread about 1/2 cup of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the pan, creating a delicious foundation for the layers to come. If you happen to get any sauce on your fingers, don't forget to lick it off—just wash your hands afterward!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese spread, basil, Parmesan cheese, the remaining Alfredo sauce, and garlic powder. Use a spatula to cream these ingredients together until they are smooth and blended. This mixture should be rich and creamy, with the aromatic flavors of basil and garlic coming through.
Once combined, stir in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and 1 cup of the shredded Mozzarella cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. The colors and textures should meld together beautifully, signaling that it’s ready for the next step.
Now, layer the pasta mixture over the Alfredo sauce in the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly, ensuring every corner is filled with this deliciousness. Top with the remaining Mozzarella cheese. This will create a wonderful, cheesy crust when baked.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep all the moisture in. At this point, if you’ve used any spoons, feel free to lick them clean! It’s one of those kitchen joys we cherish.
Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Once the oven is ready, bake the casserole, covered, for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Uncover the dish after 30 minutes to allow the cheese on top to become bubbly and golden. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
As the casserole bakes, you can take a moment to clean up. After scraping out the last of the pasta, have the kids help you fill the sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap to soak any baked-on residue. Teamwork makes cleaning fun!
