Why This Pasta Bake Is So Loved
Pasta bakes are popular because they bring together:
- Creamy sauce
- Melted cheese
- Tender chicken
- Perfect baked texture
Everything cooks together in one dish, making it easy, filling, and ideal for feeding a family or preparing meals ahead.
Ingredients You Will Need
Main Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping
- Extra mozzarella
- Parsley or herbs
Choosing the Right Pasta
Short pasta works best because it holds the creamy sauce.
Good choices include:
- Penne
- Rotini
- Rigatoni
- Elbow macaroni
Cook pasta until slightly al dente so it doesn’t become too soft after baking.
Preparing the Chicken
Season chicken cubes with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Italian herbs
Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken until lightly golden.
You do not need to fully overcook — it will finish baking in the oven.
Set aside once cooked.
Making the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan:
- Melt butter over medium heat
- Add flour and whisk for 1 minute
- Slowly pour milk while whisking
- Add cream
Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
Add:
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Stir until smooth and creamy.
The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon.
Combining Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
In a large bowl mix:
- Cooked pasta
- Chicken pieces
- Creamy sauce
Stir gently so everything is coated evenly.
This step ensures every bite is rich and flavorful.
Assembling the Bake
Grease a baking dish lightly.
Pour pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Top with:
- Extra mozzarella cheese
- Herbs or parsley
The cheese layer creates a beautiful golden crust while baking.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Bake for:
- 20–25 minutes
Look for:
- Bubbling edges
- Melted golden cheese
- Creamy center
Optional: broil for 2 minutes for extra browning.
Resting Before Serving
Let the pasta bake rest for 5–10 minutes.
This helps:
- Sauce thicken
- Slices hold shape
- Flavor settle
Serving immediately can make it too runny.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
This dish is hearty enough to be the main meal.
Storage and Meal Prep
Refrigerator
- Store in airtight container
- Lasts 3–4 days
Freezer
- Freeze portions
- Up to 2 months
Great for meal prepping and quick dinners.
Reheating Tips
Best methods:
- Oven at 180°C for 15 minutes
- Add a splash of milk before reheating
Avoid overheating to keep sauce creamy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta before baking
- Using too little sauce
- Dry chicken pieces
- Baking too long
- Skipping resting time
Small details make a big difference.
Flavor Variations
Try these easy changes:
Spicy: add chili flakes.
Vegetable version: add mushrooms or spinach.
Extra cheesy: add cream cheese.
Garlic lover: extra roasted garlic.
You can easily adapt to your taste.
Tips for Extra Creaminess
- Use a mix of cheeses
- Add a little cream
- Do not overbake
- Keep sauce slightly loose before baking
The oven will thicken it naturally.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Families
This pasta bake works well because:
- Easy to make
- Kid-friendly flavors
- Filling and comforting
- Great leftovers
It’s ideal for busy evenings when you want something satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This creamy cheesy chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food — warm, rich, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, soft pasta, and a bubbling cheese topping, it’s a recipe that always pleases a crowd.