Chicken Pasta Bake

Name: Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta; 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); ¼ cup Parmesan cheese; 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional)

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Looking for a baked pasta dish that’s made from scratch without canned soup? This Chicken Pasta Bake is just what you’re looking for. With over 300 five-star reviews, you know it’s going to be good!

A portion of chicken pasta bake on a white plate.

Chicken pasta casserole

Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce all baked to golden perfection. It’s a favorite in my house, especially on busy weeknights when I need a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort.

My top tips for the best creamy chicken pasta bake:

Cook your pasta just shy of al dente. The pasta will continue to cook as it bakes, soaking up all the creamy goodness without becoming overcooked.
Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts. For the creamiest sauce, grate your cheese fresh.
Use leftover chicken. Use leftover chicken or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
Customize with veggies. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to make this dish your own.

This pasta bake is rich, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!:

Chicken Pasta Casserole Ingredients

This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.

Ingredients needed for Chicken Pasta Bake.

Pasta - penne pasta or other hearty pasta
Chicken - cooked and diced. 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

How to make Chicken Pasta Bake

In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.

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.

6. Add cooked and drained pasta
7. Place in a 7x11 inch greased casserole dish
8. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese

A casserole dish filled with pasta and topped with cheese.

9. Bake in a preheated 400° oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly
10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes and serve hot
11. Garnish with fresh parsley

Recipe tips

Make your sauce while your pasta is cooking
Be certain to fully drain your pasta
Use canned tomatoes. They can be diced or whole. Fully drain and if using whole tomatoes, chop them into smaller pieces.
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 - Use your favorite: pepper jack, colby, or gouda. Smoked gouda would also be delicious
Meat - Use Leftover turkey, cooked Italian sausage, or smoked chicken.
Tomatoes - For a spicy version, use a can of roasted tomatoes with chiles.
Veggies - Add 1 cup of cooked broccoli, peas, sauteed mushrooms or steamed asparagus.

How to store Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Store any leftover cheesy chicken pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place a single portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 60-90 seconds until heated through.

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.

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

More delicious casseroles

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!