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