Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is the epitome of comfort food—a warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table. We’re talking tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Forget complicated recipes; this is straightforward, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. It’s one of those fantastic chicken dinners you’ll make again and again.
This recipe is designed for busy home cooks who crave delicious, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, uses pantry staples, and delivers a restaurant-quality result every single time. Get ready to fall in love with this ultimate cheesy casserole.
Why This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is a Must-Try
You’re going to absolutely adore this recipe, and here’s why. First, the sauce is unbelievably creamy, made with a simple roux, milk, and cream cheese for a luscious texture that clings to every piece of pasta. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or use leftover chicken. Finally, it’s a perfect make-ahead meal, saving you time on those hectic weeknights. It’s a complete meal in one dish that truly satisfies.
The secret is all in the velvety cream sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients to create its signature creamy texture and savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
Pasta: Penne is ideal, but ziti, rigatoni, or fusilli work wonderfully too.
Chicken: Cooked and shredded or cubed chicken breast. A rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver!
Butter & Flour: These form the roux, the essential base for our creamy sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
Milk: Whole milk will yield the richest, creamiest sauce.
Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient for an ultra-creamy, tangy sauce.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning give the dish its classic, savory taste.
Cheese: A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect cheesy pull and nutty flavor.
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Pasta Bake
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake from scratch. We’ll build the sauce, combine the ingredients, and bake it to perfection.
1. Prepare the Pasta and Chicken
First, cook the pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. Remember, it will cook more in the oven, so avoid overboiling it. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded or cubed into bite-sized pieces.
2. Create the Velvety Cream Sauce
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Finally, stir in the seasonings and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Look at that cheesy, creamy perfection!
3. Combine and Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the cream sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated. Pour this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. If you love casseroles, you should also try our fantastic ground beef and potato casserole.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Sprinkle the top evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. For a crispier top, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Expert Tips and Variations
Make this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake your own with these helpful tips and creative variations.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta to al dente is crucial. It will absorb some of the sauce and finish cooking in the oven, resulting in the perfect texture.
Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick of heat.
Bacon Makes Everything Better: Add some crispy, crumbled bacon to the top before serving for extra flavor and crunch. It’s a perfect pairing, just like in our jalapeño popper pinwheels.
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
To freeze, assemble the pasta bake in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, covered, for about an hour, then uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Yes! While penne is a great choice, any short, sturdy pasta like ziti, rigatoni, rotini, or even bow ties will work perfectly. The ridges and tubes are great for holding onto the creamy sauce.
The secret to the creamy sauce is the combination of a flour-based roux and cream cheese. For an even richer sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the whole milk.
This dish is just as delicious the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the baking dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk before reheating to restore some of the creaminess.
Enjoy Your Delicious Dinner!
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a dish that creates smiles and brings comfort to your dinner table. It’s a reliable, delicious, and easy meal that you’ll be proud to serve. If you loved making this, please leave a comment below or share it with your friends on Pinterest!
Get the recipe for the ultimate Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake!
Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
FL Recipes
Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Dinner
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a rich, velvety cream sauce and baked with a cheesy topping until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight family dinner.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to ensure the sauce is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it has thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cubed cream cheese until it has fully melted. Add the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is combined and the sauce is velvety smooth.
Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir gently until everything is well-coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. For a crispier top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 580kcalProtein: 35gFat: 28gFiber: 3g
Notes
Tip 1: For extra flavor, use a rotisserie chicken. Tip 2: Grate your own cheese from a block for the best melting results. Tip 3: Feel free to add 1-2 cups of steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas along with the pasta.
Keyword chicken casserole,chicken pasta bake,creamy chicken pasta
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
