Name: Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bubbling, golden casserole coming out of the oven — and this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is the definition of cozy, family-style goodness. Imagine tender rotini, juicy chunks of chicken, and a dreamy duo of cheeses, all wrapped in a velvety sauce that’s as creamy as it is flavorful. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone gathering around the table with excitement and sneaking seconds when no one’s looking. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re feeding a hungry crowd, this meal is sure to become a new favorite.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love when a handful of everyday ingredients create a dish that feels extra special? Each component in this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake plays an important role, adding delicious flavor, texture, or a pop of color to every bite.

Rotini Pasta: The twisty shape is perfect for catching every bit of cheesy sauce.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Use freshly cooked or leftover chicken for lean, protein-packed bites.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and depth to the sauce; low-sodium versions work great here too!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings earthy flavor and extra richness to the dish.
Sour Cream: Lends a tangy, luscious creaminess to bind the sauce seamlessly.
Chicken Broth: Helps thin the sauce just enough, adding savory flavor.
Garlic Powder: A subtle garlicky note that makes the sauce even cozier.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the aromatic flavors without any chopping needed.
Paprika: Offers gentle warmth and a lovely hint of color.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for pulling all these flavors together—season to your taste.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided): The star cheese, giving sharp, melty goodness throughout and on top.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Stretches beautifully for that ooey-gooey, irresistible finish.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top makes everything look and taste a bit fresher.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s hot and ready when your casserole is. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish — a quick swipe of oil or cooking spray is all you need to keep the cheesy pasta from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini just until al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta since it’ll bake more in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The goal is a smooth, creamy sauce ready to hug every noodle.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Stir in the cooked rotini, cubed chicken, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure every piece gets coated in that dreamy sauce — this is where the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake magic starts!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a wonderfully golden, bubbly finish.

Step 6: Bake

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be completely melted and starting to bubble around the edges. The smells wafting through your kitchen are a promise of good things to come!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is piping hot and gorgeous, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving — it adds a welcome burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Garnishes

This dish looks as good as it tastes with a generous scattering of chopped fresh parsley. You can also top with a little extra cracked black pepper or a pinch of paprika for a pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

The Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake goes beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. The freshness of the salad or the crunch of veggies balances the creamy, cheesy pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try portioning the bake into individual ramekins for dinner parties or potlucks. Or, let everyone scoop their own from the baking dish family-style and top with their favorite hot sauce or chopped herbs—make it a build-your-own experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply wait for the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake to cool, then cover the baking dish or transfer portions to airtight containers. It’ll keep deliciously in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! Wrap the cooled, baked dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, and don’t forget to label for easy weeknight dinners later on.

Reheating

To reheat, bake covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes if thawed or 45 minutes if frozen. For single servings, a microwave works just fine—just add a splash of broth to keep it nice and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for trapping the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni work just as well for this recipe.

Is it possible to make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake with leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is not only convenient, but the extra seasoning adds even more flavor to the bake. Just cube or shred and add as directed.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Of course! Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms before baking for a little color and extra nutrition.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and look for certified gluten-free canned soups to keep everything safe and delicious.

Can I assemble Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can fully assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like gathering around a table with loved ones and digging into a big dish of Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake. It’s hearty, satisfying, and so easy to make that you’ll crave it on repeat. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your family’s most-requested comfort food, too!