Description
This Chicken Pasta Bake recipe is the ultimate comfort food—deliciously cheesy, loaded with tender chicken, and packed with flavor. It's an easy, one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With just a few ingredients, including pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese, this baked pasta dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce and heavy cream (or milk) to the skillet, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir the cooked chicken into the sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture. Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute any type of pasta you like.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg