Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is a cozy, cheesy dinner made with tender chicken, pasta, a rich creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting family meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy and cheesy sauce
- Tender, seasoned chicken
- Easy oven-baked comfort food
- Great for busy weeknight dinners
- Uses simple ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup broccoli florets, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
1. Cook the Pasta
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the onion and garlic to the same skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta and broccoli if using. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Serve
Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the oven.
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Add broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- For an extra cheesy topping, combine mozzarella with Parmesan before baking.
- Let the casserole rest briefly before serving so the sauce can thicken.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is a simple, satisfying meal with tender chicken, creamy sauce, pasta, and a golden layer of melted cheese. It is perfect for cozy dinners when you want something hearty and easy.
