The Best Easy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a delectable chicken pasta bake sparks joy in home kitchens everywhere.

Comfort meets culinary creativity with this straightforward dish that anyone can master.

Layers of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and creamy sauce come together effortlessly.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Each forkful promises a symphony of flavors you won’t be able to resist.

Dive into this recipe and watch dinner become the highlight of your day.

Tips To Perfect Chicken Pasta Bake

• Use leftover grilled chicken, shredded turkey, or plant-based chicken alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature before sprinkling to ensure even, creamy melting and golden-brown tops.
• Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick, creating a silkier texture and better coating.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning for a brighter, fresher flavor profile.
• Assemble the dish entirely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Variations To Explore With Chicken Pasta Bake

• Veggie Lovers' Version: Replace chicken with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian pasta bake packed with nutrients and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap marinara for salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired chicken pasta bake.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to create a low-carbohydrate friendly version of the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Pasta Bake

• Fresh Green Salad Companion: Pair this creamy chicken pasta bake with a crisp mixed green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for refreshing contrast and added nutrition.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up extra sauce and provide delightful crunch that complements the dish's creamy texture.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Select a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Weekend Family Feast: Make this dish the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner, perfect for gathering loved ones around the table and enjoying comforting, hearty meal together.

How To Store Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store chicken pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual servings or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts beautifully.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is rotisserie chicken necessary?

No, you can use leftover chicken, grilled chicken, or boiled chicken breast as alternatives.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Chicken Pasta Bake You’ll Love

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious chicken pasta bake with minimal prep, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal go-to for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize the recipe by swapping rotisserie chicken with leftover roasted chicken, adding vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese blends to suit your taste preferences.
• Simple One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward instructions make this pasta bake a stress-free cooking experience, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients For Chicken Pasta Bake

• Rotisserie Chicken: A flavorful pre-cooked chicken that adds rich taste and saves preparation time.
• Pasta: The hearty base that provides a satisfying texture and helps absorb the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings vibrant flavor to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a golden, melty, and delicious topping that provides a rich and tangy finish.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Form the flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced and complementary seasonings that elevate the recipe's taste profile.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh and herbal note to the finished dish.

Step-By-Step Chicken Pasta Bake Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil your pasta until it’s perfectly cooked, then drain and set aside, ready to become something magical.

Step 3: Sizzle and Savor

Grab a skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they’re beautifully fragrant.

Step 4: Create Sauce Magic

• Marinara sauce
• Cream cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until it becomes a creamy, dreamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Fold in tender shredded rotisserie chicken and your perfectly cooked pasta.

Mix until every piece is generously coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for maximum deliciousness.

Step 7: Cheese Lover’s Dream

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Cover the top completely, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn bubbly and develop a gorgeous golden color.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Finish by scattering fresh parsley on top.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

The Best Easy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken pasta bake delivers comfort on a plate with Italian-inspired flavors. Cheesy layers and tender chicken create a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry families.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (450 grams) cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups (480 grams) rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (240 grams) mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Create a creamy sauce by incorporating marinara, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth and well-combined.
5. Fold shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
6. Transfer the entire mixture to a lightly greased baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
7. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a rich, melty covering.
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to become golden and bubbling.
9. Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Swap rotisserie chicken with grilled, baked, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make serving easier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg