Description
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This cheesy chicken pasta bake combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese into a hearty, flavor-packed meal! Perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups rigatoni or penne pasta
2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the pasta:
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken:
Season chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Slice into strips.
Make the sauce:
In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the bake:
Combine cooked pasta with the sauce.
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Arrange chicken slices on top.
Sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Tips for Perfection
Add chili flakes for extra spice!
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Enjoy this comforting, cheesy chicken pasta bake with your loved ones!
Let me know if you try it!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof bake. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook 2 cups of pasta in well-salted water until just tender (al dente), then drain. While the pasta cooks, pat 2 chicken breasts dry and season evenly with 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups marinara sauce and 1 cup heavy cream. Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly until unified and smooth—do not boil.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. For a fresh contrast, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a vegetable-forward plate, roasted broccoli or asparagus spears make excellent, healthy accompaniments.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta al dente. Season and pan-cook chicken until done, then slice. Warm marinara and cream together for the sauce. Combine pasta and sauce in a baking dish. Top with chicken strips, then mozzarella, parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 1 tbsp of flour or cornstarch can work, though the sauce will be less rich.
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Any short, sturdy pasta like ziti, fusilli, or shells will hold the sauce well.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Is it possible to freeze this bake? It’s best frozen before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta initially, as it will soften further in the oven. Do not boil the cream-based sauce, as high heat can cause it to separate or curdle; just warm it gently. Ensure your baking dish is appropriately sized—too large and the sauce will dry out; too small and it may bubble over. Finally, don’t skip letting the cooked chicken rest before slicing, which keeps it juicy.
Conclusion
This cheesy chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food, reliably delivering creamy, savory satisfaction with minimal fuss. Its versatility with ingredients and make-ahead potential makes it a perfect staple for busy weeks and special gatherings alike. We hope this enhanced guide helps you create a perfect dish every time. Enjoy your cooking!