Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare? This Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect solution. It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy sauce, and a golden, cheesy crust that’s irresistible. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this simple recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Keep reading to discover the secret to making the best chicken pasta bake right at home!

What Is Chicken Pasta Bake?
Chicken Pasta Bake is a classic casserole dish that combines cooked pasta, tender chicken pieces, and a creamy or tomato-based sauce, all baked together with a generous layer of melted cheese on top. It’s warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Best of all, it’s versatile, allowing you to use whatever you have on hand or adjust the recipe to suit your family’s tastes. A chicken pasta bake is not only delicious but also makes great leftovers—perfect for meal planning or enjoying the next day.
Ingredients List for Chicken Pasta Bake
To get started, here’s a list of the essential ingredients you’ll need for this comforting chicken pasta bake recipe:
- Chicken Breasts – 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
- Pasta – 12 oz of any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
- Cheese – 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar for that ooey-gooey topping.
- Marinara Sauce – 2 cups of tomato sauce or your favorite pasta sauce.
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup to add creaminess to the sauce.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced for extra flavor.
- Onion – 1 medium onion, finely chopped to build a flavorful base.
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons for sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Salt and Pepper – To season the chicken and the sauce to taste.
- Italian Seasoning – 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Parmesan Cheese – Optional, but adding ½ cup to the top adds extra cheesy goodness and a crispy finish.
Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
Looking to add more depth and texture to your dish? These optional ingredients will take your chicken pasta bake to the next level:
- Spinach – Fresh or frozen spinach can add extra nutrients and flavor to the bake.
- Mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the dish.
- Bell Peppers – For a sweet, mild crunch, toss in some chopped bell peppers.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Add a little heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Bacon – Crumbled, cooked bacon sprinkled over the top adds a smoky flavor.
- Breadcrumbs – ½ cup of breadcrumbs can be sprinkled over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or simply want to mix things up, here are some easy substitutions and variations you can make:
- Meat Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken, this recipe works well with turkey, ground beef, or sausage. For a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
- Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, use plant-based cheeses and cream alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce or a tangy pesto sauce if you’re in the mood for something different.
- Different Cheeses: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, you can try provolone, Gruyère, or Fontina for a more complex flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make the best chicken pasta bake? Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta once it's cooked al dente, and set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. If you're adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, toss them in at this stage and sauté until they’re cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Season with the remaining Italian seasoning and additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. If you’re using any extra add-ins like bacon or spinach, mix them in as well.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Top with the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle with breadcrumbs if you want a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added pop of color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Remember to cook your pasta al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want it to get mushy.
- Too Much Sauce: While it’s tempting to add extra sauce, using too much can make the dish too soupy. Stick to the recommended amount for the perfect balance.
- Not Pre-cooking the Chicken: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the bake. The short bake time in the oven won’t be enough to cook raw chicken thoroughly.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and prevents the bake from falling apart when sliced.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate your chicken pasta bake and impress your guests, here are some serving and presentation ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and flavor.
- Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the top just before serving can enhance the flavor.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp, green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
- Garlic Bread on the Side: A slice of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s been chilled.
Q: Can I freeze chicken pasta bake?
A: Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the dish without baking it, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free option like coconut cream or almond milk.
Conclusion
This easy chicken pasta bake is the perfect combination of hearty, creamy, and cheesy. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or preparing it ahead for busy weeknights, it’s a guaranteed hit. With so many variations and options for customization, it’s a dish you’ll never get bored of. Enjoy!
PrintThe Best Easy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This delicious chicken pasta bake recipe features tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights. It’s a quick, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and loaded with flavor. Keywords: chicken pasta bake, easy pasta bake, family dinner recipes, cheesy chicken pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kosher
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Substitute marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800 mg
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