Cheesy Baked Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Baked to perfection, this meal is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping. With a golden, bubbly top and a creamy, flavorful interior, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cheese and a savory sauce creates an indulgent texture.
- Simple to Prepare: Requires minimal effort with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, pasta shapes, or added vegetables.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as delicious when reheated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, chopped
- Marinara or pasta sauce
- Heavy cream or milk
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir for a few minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Cook Until Golden: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Vegetable Addition: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar for gouda or provolone for a unique flavor.
- Pasta Choices: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- Protein Swap: Use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even ground beef instead of chicken breasts.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How can I prevent the pasta from becoming too dry?
Make sure to use enough sauce and cover the dish while baking if you prefer a creamier texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pasta and store it in the fridge before baking. When ready to serve, bake it as directed.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti holds the sauce well and provides the best texture.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well and saves time.
What’s the best cheese for a gooey texture?
Mozzarella provides the best stretch, while cheddar and Parmesan add richness and depth.
Can I make this dish without an oven?
Yes, you can prepare everything on the stovetop and let the cheese melt over low heat.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, lean chicken, and reduce the cheese or use a lighter sauce.
What’s a good side dish to serve with this pasta?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.
Can I add more protein?
Yes, mix in cooked sausage, ground beef, or even tofu for extra protein.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Cover with foil for the first half of baking and uncover it towards the end to achieve a golden-brown crust.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Chicken Pasta is a delicious, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With its cheesy topping and hearty chicken-pasta combination, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite in your home. Try out different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal every time!
Print
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Baked Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish filled with tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce. A family favorite that’s easy to make for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté cherry tomatoes until softened.
- Combine pasta, marinara sauce, chicken, and Italian seasoning in a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Substitute chicken with sausage for variation
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking