Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re looking for dinner solutions that are both effortless and undeniably delicious, right? This Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake ticks every single box. First, its simplicity is a major win; even novice cooks can master this dish with confidence.
Forget complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. Instead, embrace straightforward steps that lead to spectacular results. Furthermore, the flavor profile is incredibly robust and satisfying.
Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a rich, savory tomato sauce, and an abundance of melted, golden cheese create a symphony of tastes and textures in every forkful. This is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience.
This cheesy chicken pasta recipe also shines in its ability to please a crowd. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this pasta bake is always a hit. It’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze, which we all appreciate after a long day.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or different types of cheese, making each rendition uniquely yours. The leftovers are fantastic too, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld further.
Prepare to make this Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake a regular in your rotation; it’s truly a standout chicken pasta bake that delivers on taste and convenience every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this magnificent Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture.
* 1 pound (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
* ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or milk
* 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 1 pound (about 450g) penne or ziti pasta
* 2 cups (about 200g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
* 1 cup (about 100g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* ½ cup (about 50g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
One of the best things about this Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is its incredible adaptability. For fresh flavor, consider adding a vibrant touch with this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad as a refreshing side.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time.
Step 1: Prep Your Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne or ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente – meaning it’s still firm to the bite. Do not overcook it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken to the hot oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pot, adding a splash more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now, stir in the tomato paste and cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to deepen its flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth.
Stir well to combine everything. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This simmering is crucial for a truly delicious cheesy chicken pasta.
Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken
After the sauce has simmered, remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream or milk until thoroughly combined. Return the cooked chicken to the pot with the sauce. Mix it gently to ensure the chicken is well coated in the rich sauce.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained, cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce and chicken. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce. This creates the base for your Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake.
Step 7: Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your pot is oven-safe, you can continue to the next step directly. Otherwise, transfer the pasta mixture to a large 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Gently stir it into the pasta, then smooth the top.
Step 8: The Cheesy Topping
Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses generously over the entire top surface of the pasta bake. Ensure an even layer for that perfect golden, bubbly crust.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. If you desire a deeper golden color, you can briefly place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning. This step makes it a truly cheesy chicken pasta bake.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, preventing it from being too runny when you scoop it out.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Pro Tips for Success
Making a truly exceptional Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake involves a few key techniques that elevate it from good to absolutely fantastic.
* Cook Pasta Al Dente: Always cook your pasta a minute or two less than the package directions suggest. It will finish cooking in the oven, and al dente pasta prevents it from becoming mushy and overcooked in the final bake. This is crucial for the texture of your chicken pasta bake.
* Season at Every Stage: Don’t rely solely on the final seasoning. Season the chicken as you cook it, and then taste and adjust the sauce throughout the simmering process. Layers of seasoning build a more complex and flavorful dish.
* Shred Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts. Freshly shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan melt more smoothly and create a superior, gooey texture, making your cheesy chicken pasta even better.
* Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of browning it, which prevents that delicious caramelized flavor from developing.
* Simmer the Sauce: Allow your sauce to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and deepen, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, cohesive sauce for your Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake.
* Let It Rest: Resist the urge to dive in immediately after pulling the bake from the oven. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the cheese to set, making it easier to serve clean portions.
* Consider a Dutch Oven: If you have an oven-safe Dutch oven, use it!
You can cook the chicken and sauce, then combine everything and bake it right in the same pot. This significantly reduces cleanup, making it an even easier chicken pasta bake.
* Customize Your Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream or milk to your preference.
If you like a richer, thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cream or even a tablespoon of cream cheese.
* Broiler for Golden Crust: For that irresistible, deeply golden, bubbly cheese topping, consider a quick 1-2 minute stint under the broiler at the very end. Watch it *very* closely to prevent burning. This makes for a truly beautiful cheesy chicken pasta bake.
Making a truly exceptional Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake involves a few key techniques that elevate it from good to absolutely fantastic. For a creamy alternative that captures similar flavors, try our Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Gnocchi & Peas recipe.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty and satisfying meal all on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience. You want something that complements its richness without being overly heavy.
* Crisp Green Salad: A fresh, vibrant green salad is the perfect counterpoint to the rich and creamy pasta bake. Think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing, perhaps with some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. It adds a refreshing crunch and a burst of acidity.
* Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: Is there anything better than dipping warm, crusty bread into delicious pasta sauce? A classic side of garlic bread, made with butter, garlic, and fresh parsley, is an absolute must for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful sauce from your cheesy chicken pasta.
* Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Keep it simple and healthy with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables.
Broccoli florets, green beans, asparagus spears, or zucchini are all excellent choices. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper are all they need.
* Sautéed Spinach or Kale: Wilted greens like spinach or kale, quickly sautéed with a touch of garlic, offer a healthy and flavorful addition that balances the richness of the chicken pasta bake.
* Bruschetta: For a more appetizer-like side, consider classic bruschetta. Toasted bread topped with fresh diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze offers a light, zesty counterpoint.
Choose any of these options to complete your meal, and you’ll have a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying dinner featuring your wonderful Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake.
This Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty and satisfying meal all on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience. A great option that complements its richness is our Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo, offering both flavor and balance.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
What kind of pasta works best for this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake?
For this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake, short, sturdy pasta shapes work best because they hold up well during baking and effectively trap the delicious sauce. Penne and ziti are excellent choices, but other options like rigatoni, rotini, cavatappi, or even elbow macaroni are also great. Avoid very thin pastas like spaghetti or angel hair, as they tend to become mushy in a baked dish.
How do I prevent my pasta bake from drying out?
There are a few key strategies to keep your chicken pasta bake moist and delicious. First, ensure your pasta is cooked al dente initially, as it will absorb more moisture in the oven. Second, make sure your sauce is adequately saucy; you want it slightly looser than you might for a stovetop pasta.
Covering the dish with foil for the initial part of baking also helps to trap moisture. When reheating, always add a splash of chicken broth or water to individual portions to reintroduce moisture.
Can I freeze leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake?
Yes, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake freezes wonderfully! Allow the baked pasta to cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers.
Is it possible to make this chicken pasta bake spicier?
Definitely! If you enjoy a bit of heat in your chicken pasta bake, you can easily amp up the spice. Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the garlic when sautéing the aromatics.
The Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is a classic comfort food dish that combines pasta, chicken, and cheese into a cohesive and warm meal. This dish exemplifies the charm of homemade cooking, highlighting how modest ingredients can create an unforgettable dining experience, as detailed in related culinary topics found in comfort food.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
(Estimates based on 8 servings, specific values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Total Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 100 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
An Easy and Delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, rich tomato sauce, and abundant melted cheese for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 (6-ounce) can Tomato Paste
1 cup Chicken Broth
½ cup Heavy Cream or Milk
2 teaspoons Dried Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
1 pound Penne or Ziti Pasta
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Your Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne or ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken – Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside
- Step 3: Sauté Aromatics – Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute
- Step 4: Build the Sauce – Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Season with Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes
- Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken – Stir in the heavy cream. Return chicken to the pot and mix gently
- Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce – Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir until coated
- Step 7: Assemble the Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer mixture to a baking dish if necessary. Mix in half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesa
- Step 8: The Cheesy Topping – Top with remaining cheeses evenly
- Step 9: Bake to Perfection – Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes
- Step 10: Rest and Serve – Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired
Notes
For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and add extra vegetables.
Customize the cheese blend to your preference for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg