Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
When it comes to satisfying, hearty meals, a Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is hard to beat. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious marinara-cream sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
This recipe is a family favorite for many reasons:
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of marinara and cream creates a velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Cheesy Goodness: Layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese make this bake irresistibly gooey.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, spices, or different cheeses to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a cheesy pasta bake, making it ideal for feeding a group.
Why This Recipe Works
This pasta bake is a balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken adds protein and heartiness, while the creamy marinara sauce provides richness and depth. Baking the dish allows the flavors to meld together, and the melted cheese on top creates an indulgent, golden crust that seals the deal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy chicken pasta bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni), cooked and drained: The perfect base for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides protein and substance to the dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds flavor and helps cook the chicken.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Enhances the chicken with a blend of classic herbs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The base of the creamy, flavorful sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Provides a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
Follow these simple steps to create a pasta bake that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious:
1. Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir until smooth to create a creamy, flavorful base for the bake.
3. Assemble the Bake
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and the marinara-cream sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente to ensure it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and have superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Customize the Flavor: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Let It Rest: Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors set.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken pasta bake pairs beautifully with simple sides for a complete meal:
- Garlic Bread: A classic side for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus for added texture and color.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne and rigatoni work best, but you can also use ziti, farfalle, or fusilli.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes! Assemble the bake but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: Feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Fontina, or a sharp white cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A: Definitely! It’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the dish.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce and cheeses are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, offering layers of tender pasta, savory chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce. Topped with melted cheese and finished with fresh parsley, it’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness that makes pasta bakes a timeless favorite!
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Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake: A Delicious Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6
Description
This creamy chicken pasta bake combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich marinara-cream sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the perfect one-dish comfort food for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings!
Ingredients
– 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni), cooked and drained
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. **Cook the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
3. **Assemble the Bake:** In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and the marinara-cream sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
4. **Bake:** Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
**Tip:** Serve with a side of garlic bread for a true comfort meal experience.
**Chef’s Note:** For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25