As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for tasty meals that everyone will love. That's why I'm thrilled to share my favorite cheesy chicken baked pasta recipe. It's a comforting dish with savory flavors and melted cheese that will make your taste buds happy.
When I was a kid, my mom's baked pasta was a weekend favorite. The smell of cheese and herbs would make our home feel cozy. Now, as a mom myself, I make this cheesy chicken baked pasta to bring that same warmth and happiness to my family.
P/s: If you're a fan of cheesy chicken and pasta bake, you might want to check out another fantastic recipe on my website: Strozzapreti Pasta.
Why This Cheesy Chicken Baked Pasta Is Your New Favorite
Combining cheese, chicken, and pasta creates a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. This cheesy chicken baked pasta is a true delight. It's a dish that will soon become a favorite in your home.
This dish's charm comes from its perfect mix of flavors and textures. The chicken is tender, and the pasta is just right. The creamy sauce brings everything together beautifully. Every bite is a taste of pure indulgence.
This cheesy chicken and pasta bake is perfect for families. It's a meal that everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy. Its comforting taste and generous portions make it a hit at dinnertime. Even the most finicky eaters will want more.
This cheese chicken pasta casserole is great because you can make it ahead of time. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat. It's ideal for busy weeknights. You'll get a delicious, cheesy meal with hardly any effort.
Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Baked Pasta
Creating the perfect cheesy chicken pasta casserole starts with the right ingredients. It's a mix of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and cooked pasta, all baked to perfection. Let's explore the key ingredients that make this dish a must-try!
- Pasta: I recommend using penne or ziti for this recipe. These shapes hold the sauce and cheese beautifully. Other short pastas like rigatoni or cavatappi work well, too.
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, tender, and provide the perfect balance to the cheesy sauce. You can grill, bake, or poach the chicken before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cheese: The cheese is the star of this dish. I use a combination of shredded mozzarella for meltiness and grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper round out the flavors, making each bite taste amazing.
With these ingredients, you're set to make the ultimate cheesy chicken baked pasta. It's sure to impress your family and guests. Get ready for a dish that's creamy, cheesy, and comforting!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
Making a tasty cheesy chicken pasta bake is simple. Follow these steps to make this delicious dish.
- Prepare the Pasta and Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken in a pan until it’s fully cooked and white. Then, slice it into pieces.
- Create the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheddar, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with extra cheese, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Follow these easy steps to make a yummy cheesy chicken pasta bake. It's a mix of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy cheese sauce. It's a hit with families everywhere.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
To make your cheesy chicken baked pasta even better, try these helpful tips:
- Choose the Best Cheese: For a rich and creamy sauce, combine sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and tangy Parmesan. Shredding the cheese yourself ensures it melts smoothly.
- Use Short, Tube-Shaped Pasta: Short pastas like penne or rigatoni work best for this dish. Their shape helps trap the sauce, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.
- Cook the Chicken Properly: For the best flavor, sear the chicken in a pan until golden brown before adding it to the casserole. This adds a beautiful caramelized flavor.
- Add Your Own Twist: Feel free to add extra ingredients like fresh herbs, crispy breadcrumbs, or vegetables to customize the dish.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This cheesy chicken baked pasta is a meal that checks all the boxes – delicious, comforting, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a make-ahead dinner solution, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite. For more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out So Damn Delish.
FAQs
Q: What makes this cheesy chicken baked pasta recipe so delicious?
A: This recipe is a hit because it has the right mix of flavors and textures. It has tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. All these come together to make a dish that's both comforting and satisfying.
Q: Is this recipe family-friendly?
A: Yes, it's a hit with families! The cheesy chicken baked pasta is loved by everyone. It's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Definitely! This recipe is great for making ahead. You can put the casserole together, cover it, and refrigerate or freeze it. Then, just bake it when you're ready. It's easy and convenient.
Q: What types of cheese work best in this recipe?
A: Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are the best cheeses for this dish. Mixing these cheeses gives you a sauce that's both rich and flavorful.
Q: How can I ensure the pasta doesn't get overcooked when baking?
A: To keep the pasta from getting mushy, cook it al dente before you assemble the casserole. This way, it will stay firm when baked in the oven.
Print
Easy Cheesy Chicken Baked Pasta Recipe You'll Love
Discover So Damn Delish’s mouthwatering cheesy chicken baked pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich blend of melted cheeses.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta: I recommend using penne or ziti for this recipe. These shapes hold the sauce and cheese beautifully. Other short pastas like rigatoni or cavatappi work well, too.
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, tender, and provide the perfect balance to the cheesy sauce. You can grill, bake, or poach the chicken before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cheese: The cheese is the star of this dish. I use a combination of shredded mozzarella for meltiness and grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Seasonings: Garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper round out the flavors, making each bite taste amazing.
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta and Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken in a pan until it’s fully cooked and white. Then, slice it into pieces.
- Create the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheddar, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with extra cheese, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose the Best Cheese: For a rich and creamy sauce, combine sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and tangy Parmesan. Shredding the cheese yourself ensures it melts smoothly.
- Use Short, Tube-Shaped Pasta: Short pastas like penne or rigatoni work best for this dish. Their shape helps trap the sauce, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.
- Cook the Chicken Properly: For the best flavor, sear the chicken in a pan until golden brown before adding it to the casserole. This adds a beautiful caramelized flavor.
- Add Your Own Twist: Feel free to add extra ingredients like fresh herbs, crispy breadcrumbs, or vegetables to customize the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes / Entrees
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
4 Comments
This cheesy chicken pasta looks irresistible! Can’t wait to try it!
Cheese and pasta? Yes, please! This looks amazing
Made this last night, so creamy and flavorful! A new favorite! 😍
Perfect comfort food! Adding this to my recipe list for sure.