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Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

Close-up of a thick slice of creamy chicken pasta bake being lifted, showing shredded chicken and a browned, cheesy top.

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This is a straightforward, family-friendly chicken pasta bake recipe featuring a rich, creamy sauce and a cheesy topping. It is designed for weeknight cooking and delivers comfort food satisfaction.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  7. Add the cooked, shredded chicken and the frozen peas (if using) to the sauce. Stir to combine everything evenly.
  8. Fold the cooked pasta into the chicken and sauce mixture until fully coated.
  9. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  10. Top the pasta evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
  12. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken to speed up the prep time for this easy chicken casserole.
  • For a Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake variation, add 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained) to the sauce mixture.
  • If you prefer a Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake flavor, substitute 1 cup of the heavy cream with 1 cup of marinara sauce.

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