Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Bake with Crispy Garlic Bread

1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2.Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3.In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.

4.Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

5.In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside with chicken.

6.In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

7.Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

8.Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

9.Stir in soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

10.In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Temper the eggs by slowly whisking in about 1/2 cup of the warm sauce, then whisk the egg mixture back into the sauce to create a creamy garlic sauce.

11.Add mozzarella, cheddar, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.

12.In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, shrimp, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix gently to combine.

13.Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

14.Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

15.While the pasta bakes, prepare the garlic bread: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and chopped parsley.

16.Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on each half.

17.Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the oven alongside the pasta for the last 10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and golden.

18.Remove pasta bake and garlic bread from the oven. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

19.Garnish the pasta bake with fresh parsley if desired. Slice the garlic bread and serve warm alongside the cheesy chicken and shrimp pasta bake.