When it comes to comfort food that satisfies everyone at the table and doesn’t leave you chained to the stove for hours, Chicken Pasta Bake is simply unbeatable. This creamy, cheesy dish brings tender chicken together with perfectly cooked pasta and vibrant veggies, all wrapped in melty cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. In just under an hour, you can have a cozy, family-favorite meal on the table—one that’s bound to delight kids and grownups alike, and makes for tasty leftovers the next day.

Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chicken Pasta Bake are delightfully straightforward, but each one truly matters! From the juiciness of the chicken to the richness of the cheese and the brightness of tomatoes and peppers, every component brings flavor, texture, or color that makes this bake irresistible.

16 ounces pasta, cooked al dente: Choose your favorite shape—penne, shells, or bowtie all work beautifully and hold onto that creamy sauce.
1/2 cup diced onion: Adds subtle sweetness and builds a savory flavor base.
1 cup diced green pepper: Brings color and a gentle, fresh crunch to every bite.
2 tablespoons minced garlic: For that bold aromatic kick you just can’t skip.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a luscious base for the sauce and enhances richness.
3 tablespoons all purpose flour: Helps thicken your sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
2 cups chicken broth: Infuses savory depth and keeps the bake extra moist.
1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and creaminess without being heavy.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp, classic cheesy flavor that’s essential.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts for that unbeatable stretchy, gooey top layer.
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained well: Offers juicy pops of acidity that keep every bite lively.
16 ounces cooked cubed chicken: Use rotisserie for convenience and succulent bites throughout.
1 teaspoon salt: Brightens all the other flavors—taste and adjust to your liking!
1 teaspoon pepper: Gives a gentle heat and layers in subtle spice.
1-2 teaspoons dried oregano: Adds Italian-inspired herbal notes and finishing flair.

How to Make Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees—it’s the first step in ensuring that delicious, cheesy top crust. Give your 9×13 baking pan a generous mist of nonstick spray. This little move makes serving and cleanup so much easier when your Chicken Pasta Bake is piping hot and ready!

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Place your diced onion, green pepper, and that glorious butter into a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. The veggies should soften just a bit and smell absolutely irresistible, laying a savory foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and let it cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly. This step gives your sauce body and silkiness. Next, gradually whisk in the chicken broth—keep stirring until it thickens up slightly. Once it’s ready, take the skillet off the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt, 1 cup of cheddar, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Stir everything until smooth and perfectly melty.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Add your cooked pasta, minced garlic, chicken, and canned diced tomatoes right to the skillet. Season heartily with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to hit exactly the right balance. Give everything a good stir to evenly coat with that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Add the Cheese

Spoon your saucy, stuffed pasta into the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella over top, blanketing the entire surface. Finish with a generous dusting of dried oregano for color and an herby aroma.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your Chicken Pasta Bake into the oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes. When the cheese is melted and bubbling, you can switch your oven to broil for an extra 2 minutes if you’d like that irresistible golden-brown finish. Serve it up while it’s still piping hot and wonderfully gooey!

How to Serve Chicken Pasta Bake

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil over your Chicken Pasta Bake adds a lovely fresh pop and brings the color to life. If you like a bit more zing, try a light dusting of red pepper flakes or a grating of fresh Parmesan just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta bake with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon—its brightness balances the creamy, cheesy richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are also classic companions, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can portion your Chicken Pasta Bake into individual ramekins for a dinner-party twist, or serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for extra coziness. For a bistro feel, serve alongside roasted veggies or pile the pasta bake over sautéed spinach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Pasta Bake stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and intensify the next day, making leftovers nearly as exciting as the first helping.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer superstar! Once assembled (before baking), you can wrap the pan tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing, then thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual, with an extra 10-15 minutes added to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop single portions into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally. For the best texture, reheat larger amounts in a covered dish in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling again.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in this Chicken Pasta Bake?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver—just cube or shred it and fold it into your pasta mixture. It adds loads of flavor and keeps the bake extra juicy and satisfying.

What’s the best pasta shape for Chicken Pasta Bake?

Short, chunky shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties are wonderful because they hold onto the creamy sauce and the bits of chicken and veggies. But honestly, you can use whatever pasta you have in the pantry—just cook it al dente so it won’t get mushy when baked.

Can I make Chicken Pasta Bake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular pasta and flour for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. These days, there are great options that taste and bake up beautifully so everyone can enjoy this comfort food classic.

How do I add more veggies to Chicken Pasta Bake?

This dish is wonderfully flexible when it comes to vegetables. Add some sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, broccoli florets, or even diced zucchini—just cook them briefly first to avoid extra moisture in your bake.

What cheeses can I use if I want to change things up?

Feel free to get creative with your cheese! Smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, provolone, or Pepper Jack add different personalities and extra oomph. For best melting and flavor, shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded whenever you can.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around the table to enjoy a bubbling, golden Chicken Pasta Bake, especially when you know how quick and easy it is to bring together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for busy nights, or just craving pure comfort, this is a dish worth returning to again and again—don’t wait to give it a whirl!