Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy & Easy One Dish Dinner

chicken pasta bake recipe creamy cheesy easy dinner

Introduction

There are few things more comforting than a bubbling, golden chicken pasta bake recipe pulled fresh from the oven. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a layer of melted mozzarella on top  this is what comfort food dinner dreams are made of.

The best part? It all happens in one dish. Minimal cleanup. Maximum satisfaction. This creamy chicken pasta bake serves a family of 4 and takes just 45 minutes start to finish.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

  • One baking dish = easy cleanup
  • Creamy white sauce and gooey cheese everyone loves
  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated
  • Great for using up leftover chicken
  • Customizable with different pasta shapes and add-ins

Ingredients

(Serves 4–5)

For the pasta bake:

  • 300g (10 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 400g (14 oz) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan

For the creamy sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Optional add-ins:

  • 200g mushrooms, sautéed
  • Handful of spinach
  • 1 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup bacon pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta Cook pasta in salted boiling water until 2 minutes before al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the creamy sauce Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, then chicken stock. Stir until smooth and starting to thicken, about 5 minutes. Add cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until cream cheese melts completely.

Step 3: Combine Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat everything. Add any optional extras at this stage.

Step 4: Transfer and top with cheese Pour into a greased baking dish (9×13 or similar). Spread evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and slightly browned on top.

Step 6: Rest and serve Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Pasta Shape Options

The best pasta shapes for this baked pasta dish are:

  • Penne  the classic, sauce gets inside
  • Rigatoni  wider tubes hold more sauce
  • Fusilli  spirals grip the sauce well
  • Farfalle (bow ties)  fun for kids

Avoid long pasta like spaghetti  it’s harder to mix in a baking dish.

chicken pasta bake recipe easy cheesy creamy meal

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make ahead: Assemble the pasta bake completely (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 10 extra minutes to bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Freezing: Freeze unbaked pasta bake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.

Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 180°C for 15 minutes or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Variations

Tomato-based pasta bake: Replace the white sauce with 1 jar of tomato passata + Italian seasoning. Layer with chicken, pasta, and mozzarella. Bake the same way.

Chicken bacon pasta bake: Add 150g crispy bacon bits to the sauce. The smoky flavor takes it to another level.

Spicy Cajun pasta bake: Add 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning to the sauce. Top with mozzarella chicken and serve with hot sauce on the side.

Spinach and artichoke pasta bake: Add a handful of spinach and 1/2 cup diced artichoke hearts. This is a popular family dinner recipe twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use uncooked chicken in a pasta bake?

Yes, but slice it thin. It will cook through in the oven, but you risk slightly uneven cooking. For best results, cook chicken first.

Why is my pasta bake dry?

Either the pasta was overcooked before baking, or there wasn’t enough sauce. Make sure pasta is slightly undercooked and the sauce is quite loose before baking.

Can I use different cheese?

Absolutely. Gruyère, cheddar, or gouda all work beautifully. For a sharper flavor, use mature cheddar instead of mozzarella.

What goes well with chicken pasta bake?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli are perfect sides for this comfort food dinner.

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