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Home » Pasta » Chicken Pasta Bake

Published: Mar 11, 2019 · Modified: Nov 19, 2021 by Kathy · This post may contain affiliate links

Chicken Pasta Bake

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Penne pasta with a cheesy sauce.

This baked pasta is comfort food at its finest. Filled with chunks of chicken, penne pasta, chopped tomatoes all wrapped up in a creamy cheese sauce. Make this ahead of time and pop in the oven before dinner. 

This is a delicious casserole that will leave your family feeling satisfied!

A plate with baked pasta with cheese and tomatoes.

I have updated this recipe! The recipe is still the same, but the proportions now make one 7x11" casserole dish instead of the two dishes it made previously.

If you still like to make two for a large crowd or so you can freeze one for later, just hit the 2X button in the recipe below. The proportions will change automatically for you!

Table of Contents
Why make this pasta dish
Key ingredients
Step by step directions
Recipe tips
Variations
Recipe Faqs
Serving suggestions
More delicious pasta recipes
Chicken Pasta Bake

Why make this pasta dish

I love baked pasta dishes and this Chicken Pasta Bake is delicious!

Pasta is comfort food and this creamy chicken pasta is no exception. All that cheesy goodness along with chunks of chicken is just pure deliciousness. This dish is a hit with my family. 

I love serving a delicious hearty meal that's easy to prepare. If you have any leftovers, they are equally delicious reheated the next day! 

The best part is this pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time and then baked when it's dinner time.

Key ingredients

Ingredients needed for Chicken Pasta Bake.
  • Pasta - penne pasta or other hearty pasta
  • Chicken - cooked and dice. This is a great dish to use leftover chicken!
  • Cheese - Monterey Jack and parmesan cheese
  • Diced Tomatoes - use canned peeled tomatoes that are drained from the juices. I use my homemade canned tomatoes!
  • Milk - whole milk makes the creamiest sauce

Step by step directions

  • Place olive oil, garlic and flour in a saute pan over medium heat. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in milk and add seasonings
  • Allow milk to come to a simmer, but not a boil. Lower to medium low heat and continue simmering until sauce thickens
  • Turn off heat and whisk in cheese and stir well until cheese is melted
  • Add chicken and tomatoes
Cheese being sprinkled into a creamy sauce.
Chunks of chicken and diced tomatoes added to a creamy sauce.
  • Add cooked and drained pasta
  • Place in an 7x11 inch greased casserole dish
  • Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese
Penne pasta in a saute pan.
A casserole dish filled with pasta and topped with cheese.
  • Bake in a preheated 400° oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly
  • Let rest for 5-10 minutes and serve hot
  • Garnish with fresh parsley
A baked pasta casserole.

Recipe tips

  • Make your sauce while your pasta is cooking
  • Be certain to fully drain your pasta
  • Use can diced or whole tomatoes. Fully drain and chop if needed.
  • Turn heat off once you add the cheese. This will help prevent your sauce from breaking.

Variations

  • Pasta - any hearty pasta; ziti, fettucini, or thick spaghetti
  • Cheese - pepper jack, colby, or gouda. Smoked gouda would also be delicious
  • Meat - leftover turkey or cooked Italian sausage
  • Veggies - add 1 cup of cooked broccoli, peas, mushrooms or asparagus

Recipe Faqs

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?


Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, but instead of putting it in the oven, cover casserole and place in the refrigerator until ready to bake. May need to increase baking time by 15 minutes

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this dish can be fully prepared and then frozen before baking. To use a frozen bake, I pull it out of the freezer in the morning and bake in the evening. 

The pasta will still be slightly frozen and you will need to increase the baking time by 30- 45 minutes. 

Serving suggestions

  • Caesar salad
  • Garlic Breadsticks
  • Cheesy Pesto Bread

More delicious pasta recipes

  • Spinach Stuffed Shells
  • Broccoli, Chicken Alfredo Bake
  • Ham Tetrazzini
  • One Pot Sausage, Peppers and Onions Pasta
  • Chicken Orzo Pasta
  • Ham and Pea Pasta

Chicken pasta with tomatoes and topped with fresh green parsley.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

If you loved this recipe you'll LOVE all the others in this category. Check out all my main dish recipes here!

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A plate with baked pasta with cheese and tomatoes.

Chicken Pasta Bake

Kathy
Creamy baked pasta with chunks of chicken, tomatoes and a creamy sauce
4.98 from 221 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Rest Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 249 kcal

Equipment

  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Glass Baking Dish 7x11
  • Whisk
  • Saute Pan
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk )
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ⅛ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese (shredded, about 2 cups)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • 2 cups Cooked chicken (chopped)
  • 1 cup Canned diced tomatoes (15 oz can, drain juice)

Topping

  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional)

Instructions
 

Pasta

  • Preheat oven to 400°F
  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
    8 ounces penne pasta

Sauce

  • In a sauce pan over medium heat combine oil and flour. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons flour
  • Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
    1 clove garlic
  • Whisk in milk. Continue cooking over medium low heat, stirring often. Add seasoning. When milk begins to simmer, it will begin to thicken. Do not boil.
    2 cups milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ⅛ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Turn heat off and whisk in Monterey Jack cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
    4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Add tomatoes and chicken. Fold in gently.
    1 cup Canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups Cooked chicken
  • Add cooked and drained pasta and fold gently until covered with cheese sauce
  • Spray a 2 quart (8x11") casserole dish with a non stick spray. Add pasta mixture.
  • Top with remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
    ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Bake uncovered in a preheated 400° oven for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving
  • Add chopped parsley before serving
    1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley

Video

Notes

This recipe has been updated. I have changed the proportions to make just a single 7x11 inch casserole instead of the original 2 casserole dishes. To make two, simply click the 2X button above and the original proportions will show.
 
Tips:
  • Make your sauce while your pasta is cooking
  • Be certain to fully drain your pasta
  • Use can diced or whole tomatoes. Fully drain and chop if needed.
  • Turn heat off once you add the cheese. This will help prevent your sauce from breaking.
Variations:
  • Cheese - pepper jack, colby, or gouda. Smoked gouda would also be delicious
  • Meat - leftover turkey or cooked Italian sausage
  • Veggies - add 1 cup of cooked broccoli, peas, mushrooms or asparagus
To make ahead of time -
Assemble the casserole, but instead of putting it in the oven, cover casserole and place in the refrigerator until ready to bake. May need to increase baking time by 15 minutes. 

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 264mgPotassium: 203mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 270IUVitamin C: 2.5mgCalcium: 226mgIron: 0.9mg
Keyword baked pasta recipes, chicken pasta bake, pasta bake
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

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Comments

  1. Melinda says

    January 28, 2023 at 10:17 pm

    4 stars
    Thank you for this recipe - easy dish to make for a meal train or for company coming over, especially with kids who may be a little picky. I added a packet of mixed veggies, and would have loved to add a bit of spice, too.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      January 29, 2023 at 4:21 am

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  2. S Robitale says

    January 27, 2023 at 9:09 pm

    2 stars
    Sorry this was pretty meh. I added some marinated artichokes, onion and more garlic and still not very flavorful. I won't make it again.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      January 28, 2023 at 4:13 am

      I'm sorry it didn't work for you.

      Reply
  3. Donna H says

    January 22, 2023 at 7:51 am

    5 stars
    I made this casserole previously and we enjoyed it—it’s a very good and versatile recipe. However, since we like spicy foods, next time I’m going to use cheddar/pepper Jack cheese and Rotel tomatoes just to kick it up a notch.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      January 23, 2023 at 5:31 am

      Thank you! Add a bit of spice is a great idea! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Katherine says

    January 17, 2023 at 2:47 pm

    5 stars
    Kathy, it sounds like you are making (healthier than traditional) alfredo sauce. Couple questions:

    1) Can I use store bought Alfredo?
    2) I'm single and live alone so I don't have any flour on hand. Can I use cornstarch (GMO eek) or better yet cassava starch as I'm guessing the flour is to thicken the sauce?
    3) It sounds like the pasta would continue to cook in the casserole? So, should the pasta be cooked to aldente before adding to the casserole pan?

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      January 17, 2023 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Katherine,
      You can definitely use a store bought alfredo sauce. That would save some time and make things quick and easy. Cornstarch should work, although I haven't tried it. I'd mix with equal parts water and add slowly until the sauce is thickened. I am not familiar with cassava starch.
      And for question number 3 - YES!!! You are exactly right!
      Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
      • Jamie says

        March 14, 2023 at 1:10 pm

        I used Cornstarch and it worked perfectly. I also added spinach to mine. Really tasty!

      • Kathy says

        March 14, 2023 at 2:23 pm

        Wonderful! Thanks so much!

  5. Dave says

    July 26, 2022 at 6:49 am

    I added 3-4 teaspoons of salty crunchy peanut butter, you cannot imagine how good it tasted, so try it for yourself.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 26, 2022 at 6:56 am

      Wow!!! I'll have to give that a try! Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jeff says

    May 23, 2022 at 5:22 pm

    5 stars
    This turned out really great, was able to make in ~ 25 minutes and finish up work while baking. I threw in some onion and shallots with the garlic, and also added some fresh spinach and a sliced zuchini to add veggies just before baking. Everyone loved it!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 25, 2022 at 9:11 am

      Thanks, Jeff! Glad everyone loved it!
      Kathy 🙂

      Reply
  7. Sandy says

    May 11, 2022 at 1:34 pm

    5 stars
    Just finished putting it together. The cheese sauce was yummy. Can’t wait to get this in the oven

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      May 11, 2022 at 1:37 pm

      Yay!!! Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Cathy says

    April 03, 2022 at 3:48 pm

    5 stars
    This is yummy! I of course never follow recipes as noted, I use them as a guide. I used butter not oil. Added sautéed diced onions and sliced mushrooms and doubled garlic, used rotini pasta and a cup of frozen peas. I also used fire roasted tomatoes because that’s what I had. A good use for leftover chicken too!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 03, 2022 at 4:37 pm

      Thanks for all your tips! I appreciate you leaving a comment! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Denise Cummer says

    January 30, 2022 at 7:50 am

    5 stars
    Had leftover rotissery chicken and found your recipe, it's not out of the oven yet but on tasting the cheese sauce this will be yummy!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      January 30, 2022 at 7:54 am

      Hi Denise,
      Thanks!!! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect in this baked pasta.
      Enjoy,
      Kathy 🙂

      Reply
  10. Martha says

    January 23, 2022 at 4:34 pm

    5 stars
    Enjoyed this meal tonight. Very easy to assemble and tasty with a salad on the side.
    Thanks, we will enjoy this again!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      January 24, 2022 at 5:55 am

      So glad you enjoyed it! Leftovers are just as delicious.
      Kathy 🙂

      Reply
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Penne pasta with a cheesy sauce.
The author holding a chicken.

I'm Kathy, a busy working mom who loves to cook from scratch, grow a garden, and raise farm animals. Take a look around and find all my recipes, gardening tips, and country living antics.

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