Print

Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Pasta Bake
Print Recipe

Chicken Pasta Bake is a warm, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make meal is ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights, and can be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs. With its cheesy, creamy layers and rich flavors, it’s a delicious dish your whole family will love and enjoy as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast or thighs

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne or rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water.
  3. Make the sauce mixture: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the marinara sauce, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let the sauce and chicken simmer together for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: In a large bowl or directly in a greased baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the chicken and marinara sauce. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to create creamy pockets throughout.
  5. Bake to perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish (if not already there). Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the pasta; cook just until al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed before combining with pasta.
  • If the cheese browns too quickly during baking, cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for added brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta bake, comfort food, baked pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner

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