The Best Hearty Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering chicken pasta bake that promises deliciousness without hours of kitchen labor.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly simpler with our streamlined approach.

Creamy sauce and tender chicken blend perfectly inside a golden, crispy topping that’ll make everyone smile.

pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients.

Cheese melts into every nook and cranny, creating irresistible layers of flavor.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation.

Dig in and experience a meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Reasons to Choose Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

• Conquer Complex Cooking: Simplify your kitchen adventure with this foolproof recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal anyone can master.
• Save Precious Minutes: Create a satisfying dinner quickly without compromising on flavor, perfect for busy weeknights when time is short and hunger is high.
• Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Delight both kids and adults with a cheesy, comforting pasta dish that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add extra vegetables, or adjust seasonings to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.

Ingredients List for Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

• Pasta: A hearty base that provides texture and substance to the chicken bake.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds essential flavor and nutrition to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce that brings rich, tangy taste to the pasta bake.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and create a golden, bubbly topping.

• Onions, Garlic: Fragrant vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor foundation.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Basil: A fresh herb that adds a bright, aromatic finish to the baked pasta.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing ingredients and adding subtle richness.

How to Prepare Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a mouthwatering chicken pasta adventure.

Step 2: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook your pasta following the package directions until it’s tender and delicious.

Drain and set aside, ready for its cheesy destiny.

Step 3: Sizzle and Flavor

In a large skillet, warm up some olive oil and dance those diced onions and minced garlic around until they release their irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Cook Chicken with Zest

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Sauté until the chicken is completely cooked through and no longer has any pink spots.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

Pour in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer together, allowing the flavors to mingle and become best friends for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Mix and Transfer

Combine your cooked pasta with the saucy chicken mixture, then slide everything into a baking dish, creating a delicious landscape of goodness.

Step 7: Cheese Blanket

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Creating a golden, melty blanket of deliciousness.

Step 8: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, waiting for the cheese to turn golden and start bubbling with excitement.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.

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

Cooking Insights for Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easier preparation.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Select a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for enhanced taste and depth of flavor.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness during baking, maintaining a perfect texture.
• Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color variation.

Ways to Change Up Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same seasoning technique for protein-rich version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free, maintaining original recipe's texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, substitute marinara with salsa, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle cilantro for a zesty southwestern flair.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, keeping protein and cheese components for a lighter meal option.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

• Quick Family Dinner Night: Serve this chicken pasta bake as a comforting midweek meal that brings everyone together around the table, ensuring smiles and clean plates.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Transport the baked dish in a portable casserole carrier, making it an impressive contribution that will have friends asking for the recipe at community gatherings.
• Meal Prep Champion: Divide the pasta bake into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks, maintaining delicious flavor and convenience for multiple meals.
• Elegant Dinner Party Twist: Plate individual servings in small ramekins, garnish with extra fresh basil, and pair with a crisp white wine to elevate this simple dish for more sophisticated dining experiences.

Proper Storage of Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate the chicken pasta bake into individual portions for easy reheating and meal prep.
• Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Label the container with the date of preparation to track freshness.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the chicken and sauce.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The marinara sauce and cheese will provide great flavor.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutritional value. You can also use homemade marinara sauce to control sodium levels.

Top Delightful Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful chicken pasta bake merges creamy textures with hearty flavors from Italian cuisine. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this comfort dish perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings you’ll want to savor repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
4. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, cooking until the meat is completely white and cooked through.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and blend flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken and sauce mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transfer the combined ingredients to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta, covering the entire dish.
9. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, baking for 20 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden with crispy edges.
10. Remove from oven, let rest for 3-5 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Notes

• Use low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap chicken breasts with plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly meal that maintains protein content.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free option, replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta without compromising taste and texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg