Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and three kinds of cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Return cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
8. Step 8: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Step 9: In a large bowl, gently combine cooked pasta and chicken sauce.
10. Step 10: Pour pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
13. Step 13: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version of this dish.
• Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition.
• For a creamier bake, stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta or cream cheese before baking.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave in short intervals. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or shells. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well during baking.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes if you prefer.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses baked to perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Season chicken cubes generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook them until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
5. Make Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and allow it to simmer gently for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally to develop flavor.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce. Simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well to remove excess water.
8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken and tomato sauce mixture, ensuring even coating.
10. Assemble Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish spreading it evenly.
11. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
13. Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the pasta bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a fresh herbal note.

Notes

• You can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a juicier result.
• Using different pasta shapes like penne or rotini helps to hold the sauce better.
• Make it spicier by adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
• For a lower-fat option, reduce the cheese quantities or use part-skim mozzarella.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian

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