If you have a craving for a comforting, hearty meal that’s all about melty cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. With layers of creamy cheddar sauce, savory chicken, and a golden mozzarella topping, each bite is an absolute delight you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the cheesy sauce that wraps around the pasta to the perfectly seasoned chicken that adds protein and richness.
- Bowtie pasta: This shape holds sauce beautifully, creating delicious pockets of flavor in every bite.
- Cooked chopped chicken: Adds heartiness and protein, making the dish filling and nutritious.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation for a creamy cheese sauce, adding richness without overpowering flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that velvety, smooth texture we’re aiming for.
- Milk: The base for the creamy cheese sauce, balancing richness with lightness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy kick that forms the heart of the cheesy sauce.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat.
- Black pepper: Offers a slight heat and depth, complementing the cheesy sauce perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory warmth that lifts the dish.
- Onion powder: Brings out gentle sweetness and complexity in the sauce.
- Spaghetti sauce: Gives the bake a tangy tomato finish that contrasts amazingly with the cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible bubbly golden crust.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF to ensure it’s ready when your pasta and sauce come together. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; this step prevents sticking and helps the cheesy goodness release easily after baking.
Step 2: Cooking the Pasta
Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta well—this stops it from becoming mushy—and transfer it into a large bowl where it will mix perfectly with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Making the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about one minute, creating a roux that will thicken your sauce. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring this mixture to a boil before lowering the heat and stirring in shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and velvety.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. Add the chopped cooked chicken and gently stir everything until combined. This step makes sure every piece of pasta is coated in cheesy goodness and the chicken is evenly distributed, creating an irresistible mixture ready for baking.
Step 5: Assembling and Baking
Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the jar of spaghetti sauce over the top, spreading it gently. Finish by sprinkling shredded mozzarella cheese on top, which will melt and brown beautifully in the oven. Bake the dish uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until it’s bubbly, warm, and has that perfect golden crust that beckons you to dig in.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish. You can also add a light dusting of Parmesan cheese on top after baking for an extra cheesy touch that makes each forkful pop with flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the pasta bake. Garlic bread on the side is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for scooping up any extra sauce at the end of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets to impress guests with personalized servings. You can also top with crushed crispy bacon or toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful texture contrast that adds another layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe holds together wonderfully, making it perfect for enjoying warm and satisfying meals throughout the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire baking dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbling again. You can also microwave individual portions, but keep in mind that oven reheating helps restore that lovely baked texture and melty cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is great for holding the sauce, penne, rotini, or rigatoni also work well. The key is to use a pasta shape that can catch the cheesy sauce to ensure every bite is deliciously coated.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These will add texture and nutrition while keeping the dish just as comforting and delicious.
Is it better to use freshly cooked chicken or leftovers?
Both work perfectly! Using leftover cooked chicken is a wonderful way to repurpose dinner from another night, while freshly cooked chicken keeps the flavors extra vibrant. Just be sure the chicken is chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Rewarm gently on the stove before adding it to the pasta to make sure it’s smooth and creamy for assembling the bake.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, continue cooking it over low heat or add a little more flour to thicken it. The goal is a smooth, pourable sauce that coats the pasta nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe that feels like a celebration of comfort food in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want a cozy meal to share with friends, this recipe has all the right elements to become a fast favorite. Give it a try and watch how it transforms your everyday dinner into something truly special!
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Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender bowtie pasta, juicy cooked chicken, and rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce layered with zesty spaghetti sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting, baked casserole perfect for family dinners, providing a hearty and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 (16-oz) box bowtie pasta
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
Cheese Sauce
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Additional Ingredients
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer the pasta into a large mixing bowl.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and reaches a boil. Reduce heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and forms a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir in the chopped cooked chicken evenly. Transfer this mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add spaghetti sauce and mozzarella: Evenly pour the jar of spaghetti sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a cheesy crust after baking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the mozzarella cheese is melted and slightly golden on top. Remove from oven and let it sit a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Try adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.
- The pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
