The Best Easy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

If you're craving a hearty and comforting dish that’s quick and easy to make, look no further than this Chicken Pasta Bake recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, savory cheese, and rich tomato sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is great for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you're meal prepping for the week. Ready to learn how to make this crowd-pleaser? Keep reading, and by the end of this article, you'll be ready to whip up the best easy chicken pasta bake ever!

this Recipe

What is a Chicken Pasta Bake?

A Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious casserole-style dish that combines cooked chicken, pasta, cheese, and a flavorful tomato or cream-based sauce, all baked in the oven. It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for many home cooks. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for serving large groups or making ahead for easy leftovers.

Ingredients List for Chicken Pasta Bake

To make the best Chicken Pasta Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients. These ingredients will serve about 4-6 people, but you can always scale up if needed.

1. Chicken – 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced or shredded.
2. Pasta – 300-400g of penne, fusilli, or rigatoni (choose a sturdy pasta to hold up in the bake).
3. Tomato sauce – 2 cups of marinara or pasta sauce of your choice (homemade or store-bought).
4. Cheese – 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, plus ½ cup of grated Parmesan.
5. Garlic – 2-3 cloves, minced.
6. Olive oil – 2 tablespoons for cooking the chicken.
7. Onion – 1 small onion, finely chopped.
8. Basil – 1 tablespoon of dried basil or a handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped.
9. Oregano – 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for extra flavor.
10. Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning the chicken and pasta.
11. Red pepper flakes – Optional, for a bit of heat.
12. Spinach (optional) – 2 cups of fresh spinach to add some greens.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about a Chicken Pasta Bake is how easily it can be adapted based on what you have on hand. Here are some substitution ideas and variations you can try:

1. Protein Options: If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute it with cooked turkey, ground beef, or even sausage. Vegetarian? Try adding roasted vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative.
2. Pasta Alternatives: Any pasta shape will work in this dish. You can use rotini, ziti, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
3. Cheese Variations: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, feel free to mix in cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of ricotta for creaminess.
4. Sauce Choices: While this recipe calls for a classic tomato sauce, you can swap it with a creamy Alfredo sauce or a pesto for a completely different flavor profile.
5. Add Veggies: Sneak in more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition. You can also add a handful of fresh arugula or kale before baking for a healthy twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s walk through how to put this easy dish together. Don’t worry—it’s simple, and you’ll have a delicious Chicken Pasta Bake ready in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just shy of al dente (you want it a bit undercooked since it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried basil and oregano. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once done, remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before chopping or shredding it.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. If you’re adding spinach or any other vegetables, toss them in now and cook until softened.

4. Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, sautéed vegetables, and tomato sauce. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

5. Assemble the Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. If you like a crispier top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

7. Let it Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to cut into portions.

How to Cook Chicken Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the ingredients – Gather all your ingredients and ensure everything is ready to go (pasta cooked, chicken cooked, cheese shredded, etc.).
2. Cook the chicken and vegetables – Sauté your proteins and veggies until fully cooked and fragrant.
3. Mix it all together – Combine everything in a large bowl and stir to ensure the flavors are well distributed.
4. Bake – Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
5. Rest and serve – Let it rest for a few minutes, then dive into your delicious homemade Chicken Pasta Bake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Pasta Bake, there are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of:

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so undercook it slightly when boiling.
2. Dry Chicken: Avoid dry chicken by not overcooking it in the skillet. You want it juicy and tender.
3. Too Much Sauce or Too Little: Make sure there’s a balance in sauce so that your bake isn’t too dry or overly saucy. The pasta should be well coated but not swimming in sauce.
4. Not Enough Seasoning: Pasta bakes can be bland if you don’t season properly. Make sure to season at every step—season your chicken, sauce, and even the pasta.

Serving and Presentation Tips

You’ve baked your delicious Chicken Pasta Bake, but how do you serve it? Here are some serving ideas to make your dish even more appealing:

How to Serve Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Portion Sizes: Cut the bake into generous squares or scoop out individual servings with a large spoon.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Cheese Pull Shot: Serve the bake straight from the oven and get a photo-worthy cheese pull as you scoop the first serving.
2. Rustic Serving Style: Serve directly from the baking dish for a family-style meal. Pair it with a large wooden spoon for that rustic, home-cooked feel.
3. Individual Portions: For dinner parties, consider baking the pasta in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own perfectly portioned serving.

Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: You can assemble this dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for using leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or dice it and follow the rest of the recipe.

2. Can I make this pasta bake vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian version.

3. Can I add cream to the sauce?
If you prefer a creamier bake, you can add a splash of heavy cream or swap the tomato sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce.

4. What pasta works best for a pasta bake?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni

work best as they hold up well in the oven and soak up the sauce nicely.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pasta Bake recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a fantastic go-to recipe that everyone will love. With tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese baked to perfection, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’ll be serving up a delightful dinner in no time!

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