Discover this irresistible chicken pasta bake recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Easy homemade comfort food loaded with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Find more amazing recipes at www.bbrecipes.com.

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Introduction

Nothing beats the comfort of a bubbling hot chicken pasta bake fresh from the oven. This hearty dish combines tender chunks of seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with golden melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or preparing a satisfying meal for weekend guests, this chicken pasta bake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and foolproof preparation method. The combination of protein-packed chicken, satisfying pasta, and vegetables creates a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Plus, this chicken pasta bake can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Boneless chicken breasts	1.5 lbs	Cut into bite-sized pieces
Penne pasta	12 oz	Or any short pasta shape
Cream cheese	8 oz	Room temperature
Heavy cream	1 cup	Full-fat for best results
Chicken broth	1 cup	Low-sodium preferred
Mozzarella cheese	2 cups	Shredded, divided
Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup	Freshly grated
Bell peppers	2 medium	Mixed colors, diced
Yellow onion	1 large	Diced
Garlic cloves	4 cloves	Minced
Italian seasoning	2 tsp	Dried blend
Paprika	1 tsp	For chicken seasoning
Salt	To taste	For seasoning
Black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground
Olive oil	2 tbsp	For cooking
Fresh parsley	2 tbsp	Chopped, for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (serves 6)

Calories: 485
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg
Calcium: 285mg

This chicken pasta bake provides excellent protein content while delivering essential carbs for energy. The combination of cheese and cream contributes to the calcium content, making this a well-rounded meal option.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents mushy texture in the final chicken pasta bake.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same skillet used for chicken, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This vegetable base adds depth to your chicken pasta bake.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine All Elements

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. The mixture should be creamy and well-combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the chicken pasta bake mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the chicken pasta bake to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pasta bake pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal experience. Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or mixed green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls make excellent accompaniments for soaking up any extra sauce.

For a more substantial meal, consider roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. The fresh vegetables provide a nice contrast to the creamy chicken pasta bake and add extra nutrition to your dinner plate.

Wine pairing options include a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for white wine lovers, or a light Pinot Noir for those who prefer red wine with their chicken dish.

Pro Tips

Chicken Preparation: For the most tender chicken in your chicken pasta bake, avoid overcooking during the initial searing phase. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven, so aim for just golden brown exterior during stovetop cooking.

Pasta Selection: Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best for this recipe because they hold onto the creamy sauce better than long pasta varieties.

Make-Ahead Magic: This chicken pasta bake can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Cheese Tips: Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce before combining with pasta.

Variations

Vegetable-Loaded Version: Transform this chicken pasta bake into a veggie-packed meal by adding mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté vegetables with the onions and peppers for best results.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for those who enjoy heat in their chicken pasta bake.

Herb-Crusted Top: Mix breadcrumbs with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley, then sprinkle over the cheese before baking for added texture and flavor.

Protein Alternatives: While chicken is classic, this recipe works well with turkey, ham, or even cooked bacon for different flavor profiles.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The cooking method remains the same, making this chicken pasta bake accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze this chicken pasta bake? A: Yes, this chicken pasta bake freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers? A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese? A: Absolutely! Try cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère cheese for different flavor profiles in your chicken pasta bake. A combination of cheeses often creates the most complex flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream? A: You can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich. Alternatively, use whole milk with an extra tablespoon of cream cheese for thickness.

Q: How do I know when the chicken pasta bake is done? A: The chicken pasta bake is ready when the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested with a food thermometer.

Conclusion

This chicken pasta bake represents the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and flavor that makes it a standout recipe for any home cook. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

The beauty of this chicken pasta bake lies in its adaptability and make-ahead friendly nature. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or preparing for weekend entertaining, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

Ready to create more memorable meals? Visit www.bbrecipes.com for an extensive collection of tried-and-true recipes that will inspire your culinary adventures. From quick weeknight dinners to special occasion dishes, you’ll find everything you need to keep your kitchen exciting and your family satisfied.

Try this chicken pasta bake tonight and discover why it’s destined to become a regular rotation in your meal planning. Don’t forget to share your cooking success and any creative variations you discover along the way!