Simple Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering chicken pasta bake that promises to steal the show at dinner.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish blends tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a delightful combination.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Every forkful promises a delicious blend of rich, savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Families and friends will devour this irresistible pasta bake, making it an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Ingredients For Easy Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Chicken: Provides lean protein and adds substantial texture to the pasta bake.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that brings rich, tangy flavor to the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses create a gooey, golden topping that adds creamy richness and a delightful golden crust.
• Ricotta Cheese or Cottage Cheese: Optional ingredient that introduces a soft, smooth layer to enhance the dish's creaminess.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings work together to build a complex and savory flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Fresh Basil: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the pasta bake.

How To Make This Tasty Pasta Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some serious deliciousness.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil your pasta until it’s perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Keep it slightly firm for that amazing texture.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Explosion

• Cooked chicken
• Marinara sauce
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the chicken is completely coated in those incredible flavors.

Step 4: Mix Pasta With Goodness

Toss the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture, ensuring every single noodle gets some love.

Step 5: Layer The Magic

• Spread half the pasta mixture on the bottom
• Optional: Add a creamy layer of ricotta or cottage cheese
• Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses

Step 6: Complete The Casserole

Top with remaining pasta mixture and another handful of cheeses for maximum yumminess.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve hot and watch everyone devour this incredible meal.

Tips For Cheesy And Creamy Pasta Bakes

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure a perfect texture in the final dish.
• Spread cheese between pasta layers for even distribution and maximum flavor in every bite.
• Use marinara sauce sparingly to avoid a watery casserole, ensuring a rich and creamy consistency.
• Sprinkle fresh basil right before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap chicken with leftover turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives for a versatile meal option.

New Chicken Pasta Bake Ideas To Explore

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or cubed firm tofu for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap mozzarella for feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired pasta bake with Mediterranean herbs.

Serving Chicken Pasta Bake To A Crowd

• Rustic Farmhouse Plating: Serve this hearty pasta bake on large wooden cutting boards for a rustic, homestyle presentation that screams comfort food.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra fresh Parmesan and torn basil leaves on top just before serving to create a mouthwatering cheese pull and add bright, fresh flavor.
• Fresh Side Companions: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread to complement the rich, cheesy pasta bake and balance the meal's warmth.
• Family-Style Feast: Bring the entire baking dish directly to the table and let everyone serve themselves, creating a relaxed, communal dining experience that encourages conversation and sharing.

Storing Chicken Pasta Bake For Meal Prep

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The dish maintains best quality when consumed within this timeframe.
• Transfer cooled pasta bake to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape like penne, rotini, or ziti. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente to maintain the right texture.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken pasta bake can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. It reheats well and stays delicious for 3-4 days.

• Can I substitute the marinara sauce?

Definitely. You can use tomato sauce, arrabbiata sauce, or even creamy alfredo sauce for different flavor profiles. Just choose a sauce you enjoy.

• What if I don't have fresh chicken?

No problem. You can use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or even leftover grilled or roasted chicken to make this recipe quick and easy.

Best Chicken Pasta Bake Flavors To Try

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken pasta bake delivers a delicious meal with minimal prep work and maximum flavor.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, comforting layers of pasta, chicken, and marinara sauce that make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
• Customize with Ease: Easily swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours, creating a flexible meal that adapts to your taste preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple preparation mean less cleanup, making this recipe a stress-free option for home cooks looking for a convenient dinner solution.

The Best Easy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this irresistible chicken pasta bake, blending tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one harmonious dish. Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises a delicious meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Creamy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper

Optional Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 cup spinach or kale
• 0.5 cup diced onion
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a greased baking dish.
2. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Create a savory sauce blend by mixing cooked chicken with marinara, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
4. Thoroughly coat pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
5. Layer half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a foundational base.
6. Optional: Spread a creamy layer of ricotta or cottage cheese over the first pasta layer.
7. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the initial layer.
8. Top with remaining pasta mixture, creating a complete second layer.
9. Generously cover the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbles with appetizing intensity.
11. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to allow flavors to settle.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving warm.

Notes

• Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or gluten-free options to make the dish more diet-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent excess moisture in the pasta bake.
• Add red pepper flakes or extra herbs for a personalized flavor boost that elevates the basic recipe.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep solution.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 528 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg