The Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe You’ll Adore

Pasta enthusiasts love this simple chicken pasta bake that combines creamy textures with robust flavors.

Comfort food reaches new heights when melted cheese blankets tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Mediterranean herbs and golden breadcrumbs create an irresistible golden crust that seals in deliciousness.

Crispy edges and a molten center promise a meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean anyone can master this crowd-pleasing dish.

Prepare to experience a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

The Best Chicken Pasta Bake for Gatherings

• Craving Comfort: A hearty casserole that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness perfect for satisfying hunger and lifting spirits.
• Speed Up Dinner: Quick preparation and minimal ingredients mean you can have a delicious meal on the table with minimal kitchen time and effort.
• Kid-Approved Flavors: Packed with familiar ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese that children love, making mealtime a breeze for parents.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and dairy in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making this meal both convenient and delightful for busy families.

What Goes Into Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded protein that provides a hearty base for the pasta bake.
• Pasta: Al dente noodles that create the perfect texture and foundation of the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds rich flavor and moisture to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that bring richness, texture, and a golden melted topping to the pasta bake.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Basil or Parsley: Spices and herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile and add aromatic depth to the chicken pasta bake.

How to Make Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to get ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Boil the pasta until it’s perfectly tender yet firm, then drain and set aside.

Your pasta should have just the right bite.

Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Tender cooked chicken
• Rich marinara sauce
• Creamy heavy cream
• Zesty garlic powder
• Sweet onion powder
• A pinch of salt
• A dash of black pepper

Stir everything until the ingredients become best friends.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring every noodle gets a luxurious coating.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the pasta blend into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for maximum deliciousness.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn golden and start bubbling with excitement.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort food magic!

Tips for The Best Chicken Pasta Bake

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
• Mix in additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer taste.

Pasta Bake – Fresh Flavor Twists to Try

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace marinara with sun-dried tomato sauce, add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Sizzle: Mix in diced green chilies, swap marinara for salsa, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Marvel: Sauté sliced mushrooms, incorporate them into the sauce, use a blend of Swiss and Gruyère cheeses for a rich, earthy flavor profile.
• Pesto Paradise: Substitute marinara with homemade basil pesto, add roasted pine nuts, use mozzarella and Parmesan, and finish with fresh basil leaves.

Present Chicken Pasta Bake with Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this chicken pasta bake with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness and crunch.
• Hearty Weeknight Feast: Pair the pasta bake with garlic bread or toasted crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra comfort to the dish.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Create individual portions in small ramekins for a fun, personalized serving style that's perfect for casual gatherings or potluck events.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for an easy next-day lunch that reheats beautifully and provides a satisfying midday meal.

Chicken Pasta Bake: Storing Leftovers

• Store the chicken pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness and prevent odors from affecting the dish.
• Wrap the cooled pasta bake securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture changes.
• Warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use leftover chicken for this pasta bake?

Yes, shredded or diced leftover chicken works perfectly and helps reduce cooking time.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pasta bake earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

• Can I substitute marinara sauce with another type of sauce?

Definitely. Alfredo, tomato basil, or even a homemade sauce can work well in this recipe.

• How can I make this pasta bake more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor.

The Best Easy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken pasta bake brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners. Parmesan, herbs, and tender chicken combine in a hearty casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Cook pasta in boiling water until perfectly tender, ensuring a delightful al dente texture; drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a harmonious blend in a spacious mixing bowl by combining tender cooked chicken, robust marinara sauce, rich heavy cream, aromatic garlic powder, savory onion powder, and essential seasoning.
4. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring each noodle is luxuriously coated with the flavorful sauce.
5. Carefully transfer the pasta ensemble into a generously greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Lavishly sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the top, promising a golden, melty finish.
7. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
8. Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh basil or parsley over the top, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous flavor before serving.

Notes

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly grill chicken breasts for a more flavorful base, ensuring tender and juicy meat throughout the dish.
• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the creamy texture and taste.
• Mix in extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the pasta bake.
• Keep cheese slightly less melted by covering the baking dish with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent excessive browning and maintain a creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 573 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg