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Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Pasta Bake
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This Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dinner option that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich sauce baked to golden bubbly perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals, it’s easy to prepare and adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 300g penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy pasta

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing

Sauce

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 oz cream cheese or 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar

Optional Add-ins

  • Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini (amount as desired)
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat
  • Breadcrumbs mixed with herbs for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case it’s needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
  2. Prepare the chicken: While pasta cooks, dice or shred the chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste or tomato sauce, then gradually add milk and cream cheese or cream, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: In a large bowl or directly in the baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and creamy sauce until evenly coated. Fold in half of the shredded cheese blend.
  5. Bake until bubbly: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, optionally add a breadcrumb and herb topping, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling around the edges.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it slightly undercooked before baking to prevent mushiness.
  • Use sharp or aged cheeses for more pronounced flavor.
  • Season chicken, sauce, and pasta individually for balanced taste.
  • Add a crunchy breadcrumb and herb topping for texture contrast.
  • Allow the bake to rest a few minutes after baking to set before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner, make-ahead pasta bake

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/chicken-pasta-bake/