Quick Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe: Family-Pleasing Comfort

Whipping up a delightful chicken pasta bake takes mere minutes when you know the right tricks.

Creamy cheese melts into golden-brown edges that make mouths water instantly.

Weeknight dinners never looked so appetizing with this simple yet impressive dish.

Comfort food reaches new heights through clever ingredient combinations and smart cooking techniques.

Layers of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich sauce create magic on your plate.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Your dinner table deserves something extraordinary, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Storing Chicken Pasta Bake Advice

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Pack the cooled pasta bake in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor to the pasta bake.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or additional vegetables to create a vegetarian version.

• How can I make this pasta bake healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Assemble the pasta bake up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

The Best Easy Chicken Pasta Bake You’ll Love

• Quick Family Dinner: Whip up a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with minimal cooking skills.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine simple ingredients in one bowl, transfer to a baking dish, and let the oven do the magic with minimal hands-on cooking time.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this chicken pasta bake adapts easily to different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Cheesy Goodness Guaranteed: Loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish delivers a creamy, satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds the sauce and provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds substantial flavor and nutrition to the pasta bake.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato-based sauce that provides a classic Italian flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a golden, melty, and flavorful cheese crust on top of the pasta bake.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provides depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright garnish and a pop of color to the finished dish.

How to Bake Easy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to sizzling hot at 375F (190C).

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pasta Magic

Boil your pasta following the package guide.

Cook until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite.

Drain the water completely.

Step 3: Mix and Mingle

• Cooked pasta
• Shredded chicken
• Marinara sauce
• Heavy cream
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Dish It Out

Transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Cheese Cascade

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cover the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for Chicken Pasta Bake Success

• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling to prevent overcooking when baked, ensuring perfectly al dente texture.
• Use homemade marinara or high-quality store-bought sauce for richer, more complex taste profile.
• Adjust heavy cream quantity based on desired sauce consistency, adding gradually to achieve perfect moisture.
• Replace chicken with turkey, shredded pork, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking to create golden, crispy cheese topping that adds delightful texture.

Variations to Try on Chicken Pasta Bake

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains the creamy, cheesy essence.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds to create a lactose-free dish.

Serving Chicken Pasta Bake

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this chicken pasta bake with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness.
• Bread Lover's Sidekick: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up extra sauce and create a hearty, satisfying dinner experience.
• Weekend Gathering Charm: Complement the dish with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to elevate the meal's flavor profile and create a relaxed dining atmosphere.
• Veggie Boost Companion: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli on the side to increase nutritional value and provide colorful texture contrast.

The Best Easy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting chicken pasta bake combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly al dente pasta in one irresistible dish. Melted cheese and golden breadcrumbs crown this hearty meal that welcomes you to savor every delicious, homemade bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13 baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Prepare pasta in boiling water until tender, ensuring it maintains a slight firmness; thoroughly drain excess liquid.
3. Combine cooked pasta with tender pulled chicken meat, rich marinara sauce, velvety cream, aromatic garlic powder, zesty Italian herbs, and delicate seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Carefully transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
5. Generously scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a luxurious blanket of melting dairy.
6. Place in preheated oven and roast for 22-25 minutes, watching for golden, bubbling cheese and heated through center.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the surface for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack when you’re short on meal prep time.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to create a lighter, lower-calorie version of the dish.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and add extra texture.
• For gluten-free options, replace regular pasta with chickpea or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 518 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg