Chicken Pasta Bake

I’ll never forget the first time I made a chicken pasta bake. It was one of those chilly evenings when I craved something warm, hearty, and fuss-free. I rummaged through my pantry, tossed together some pasta, chicken, and a cheesy sauce, and popped it in the oven. The result? Pure comfort in a dish! My family devoured it, and now it’s a go-to recipe in our house.

There’s something magical about the way the creamy sauce clings to the pasta, the chicken adds protein-packed flavor, and the golden cheese crust makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this dish delivers. Plus, it’s forgiving—use what you have, and it still turns out amazing. In this article, I’m sharing my tried-and-true recipe, complete with tips, variations, and everything you need to make it your own. Let’s dive into this cozy, crowd-pleasing chicken pasta bake that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 12 oz (340g) rigatoni or penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Toss in the garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Ingredients
   Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the skillet’s too small, mix in a large bowl.
6. Assemble the Bake
   Pour half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish and Serve
   Let the bake rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Related Recipes:

Creamy Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Pro Cooking Tips

• Al Dente is Key: Undercook the pasta slightly since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy texture.
• Cheese Blend: Mix in some cheddar or provolone with the mozzarella for extra flavor depth.
• Creamy Sauce Hack: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water before baking.
• Make it Quick: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time.
• Crisp Topping: For a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking.

Variations

• Veggie-Packed: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a nutrient boost.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Creamy Alfredo: Swap the tomato sauce for a store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce.
• Pesto Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto for a herby, nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your canned tomatoes for gluten-free certification.

Storage Suggestions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezer: Assemble the bake (don’t bake it), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
• Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this chicken pasta bake with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. For a fancy touch, pair it with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio. Kids love it with a side of steamed broccoli or carrots for a balanced plate.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
  Note: Values vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Fusilli, farfalle, or ziti work great. Just stick to short shapes that hold sauce well.

How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap cheese for dairy-free alternatives. Check for meltability when choosing vegan cheese.

What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?
Blend diced tomatoes or use marinara sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s cheesy, mild, and easy to customize with veggies kids love.

Conclusion

This chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food—simple, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent or hosting friends, it’s a no-fail recipe that brings everyone to the table. I love how it transforms basic ingredients into something special, and I bet you’ll find it just as irresistible. Try it out, play with the variations, and make it your own. Got leftovers? They’re just as tasty the next day! What’s your favorite way to enjoy a pasta bake? Let me know in the comments below!