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–+ servings
A glass casserole dish filled with a baked pasta.
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4.96 from 21 votes

Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy pasta with chunks of chicken
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr
Rest Time10 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Course: Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: baked pasta recipes, chicken pasta bake, pasta bake
Servings: 16 people
Calories: 249kcal
Author: Kathy

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound penne pasta

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 4 cups Cooked chicken chopped
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes 28 oz can

Topping

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

Pasta

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cool water and set aside.

Sauce

  • In a sauce pan over medium heat combine oil and flour. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
  • Whisk in flour and continue heating over medium heat stirring for 2-3 minutes. 
  • Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
  • Whisk in milk. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often. When milk begins to simmer, it will begin to thicken. Do not boil.
  • Once milk is thickened, add salt, pepper, Italian seasonings and red pepper flakes.
  • Turn heat to low and whisk in Monterey Jack cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Add tomatoes and chicken. Fold in carefully.
  • Place cooked pasta in a large bowl.  Pour cheese mixture over pasta and stir carefully so all pasta is coated with sauce. 
  • Spray two 9 x 11 inch casserole dishes with a non stick spray. Divide pasta mixture evenly into both dishes.
  • Top with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Bake uncovered in a preheated 400 degree oven for 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Add chopped parsley before serving (optional)

To Freeze

  • Allow casserole to fully cool. Wrap in foil and place in freezer. To use, remove from freezer and allow to partially thaw for at least 6 hours.  Bake as directed increasing cook time by 30 - 45 minutes. 

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 264mg | Potassium: 203mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 0.9mg