Name: Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 3 cups pasta (penne or rotini works well); Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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If you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Picture tender chicken chunks nestled in perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a rich, golden blanket of ooey-gooey melted cheese. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying feast that warms the soul and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether cooking for family or friends, this bake promises hearty satisfaction every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marble surface with several white bowls and a white bag of pasta. In the top left, there is a white bag of dry pasta labeled

Nothing fancy here, just straightforward ingredients that combine effortlessly to make this dish shine. Each component plays its part—from the succulent chicken adding protein, to the pasta providing comforting texture, and the cheese delivering that luscious, creamy finish. Simple staples make this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Chicken breast or thighs: Use boneless, skinless pieces for tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Pasta (penne or fusilli): These shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every forkful is bursting with flavor.
Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: Combining sharp cheddar with creamy mozzarella creates the perfect melty, cheesy layer on top.
Milk and cream: These enrich the sauce, giving it a smooth, velvety texture.
Garlic and onion: Aromatics that provide foundational flavor and a subtle sweetness to balance the dish.
Butter and flour: Used to make a classic roux, which thickens the sauce into a creamy heaven.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds a lovely earthy note.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, green finish and a pop of color on the plate.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Chicken

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until just al dente—it will continue to cook in the oven. Meanwhile, in a hot skillet, season and cook the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and cooked through, creating tender morsels of flavor that make this dish shine.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the pasta and chicken are cooking, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk and cream, stirring constantly until it thickens into a luscious sauce. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning—this sauce is the heart of your bake, bringing all the flavors together with rich creaminess and melty goodness.

Step 3: Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish

Mix the cooked pasta and chicken gently with the cheese sauce until all the pieces are beautifully coated. Pour everything into a buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly for a perfect bake. This assembly ensures every bite has that ideal balance of pasta, chicken, and cheese.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop the dish into a preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. The top should turn a gorgeous golden brown with bubbling cheese—this is the moment that turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked rigatoni pasta. The dish has three main visible layers: the bottom layer consists of thick, orange-red tomato sauce mixed with browned sausage pieces; the middle layer is large rigatoni pasta tubes coated in sauce, some slightly browned from baking; the top layer is a mix of melted white cheese and grated cheese sprinkled all over, with chopped green parsley scattered on top. A silver spoon rests inside the dish on the upper left side, slightly pushing into the pasta. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a beige textured cloth partially visible on the top left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving to brighten the rich flavors with a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceousness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can also add an extra layer of savory flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this bake with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans complement perfectly, adding freshness and a bit of crunch alongside the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try making individual portions in ramekins—perfect for special dinners or entertaining guests. You can also add toppings like breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy contrast or drizzle a little truffle oil on top for an indulgent flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for equally delicious next-day meals.

Freezing

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the dish but hold off on baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.

Reheating

To reheat, place a portion in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If using the oven, cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning and maintain creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps keep the sauce moist.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, fontina, or Parmesan to tweak the flavor and texture to your liking. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best results.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this dish is fantastic for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving time without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

If you want to skip the chicken, substitute with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers. Adding some cooked lentils or chickpeas can also boost protein for a satisfying vegetarian version.

What type of pasta works best in this bake?

Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal choices because their shapes hold onto the sauce well, ensuring each bite is packed with cheesy goodness.

How can I make the bake extra crispy on top?

Sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan over the top before baking. This creates a delightful golden crust that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest—easy to make, deeply satisfying, and irresistibly cheesy from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside. I genuinely hope you give this a try and enjoy every melty, delicious bite as much as I do!