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

Scale

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

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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.