Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

This bubbly, cheesy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is made with tender penne, shredded chicken, and garlic cream sauce, ready in 45 minutes. The golden mozzarella crust gives way to a rich, steamy center when you scoop out the first serving. I always keep these staple ingredients on hand for a fast weeknight dinner.

Why This Classic Works

I used to struggle with dry baked pasta that soaked up all the sauce in the oven. The secret here is using a slightly thinner cream sauce on the stove before baking.

It thickens beautifully in the heat while keeping the chicken completely moist. I also found that undercooking the pasta by two minutes prevents it from turning mushy under the heavy cheese.

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Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Ingredients

• 1 lb dried penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How To Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

1. 1. Boil the Pasta: Cook penne in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions, then drain well.
2. 2. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, simmer the minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning over medium heat for 5 minutes.
3. 3. Combine the Filling: Fold the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese into the hot sauce until the spinach wilts completely.
4. 4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. 5. Bake and Broil: Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbling around the edges, then broil for 2 minutes for a golden brown crust.

Recipe Tips

• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that stop it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
• Undercook the pasta: The noodles will continue to absorb liquid in the oven, so stopping early prevents a mushy texture.
• Warm the cream: Adding cold heavy cream directly to the hot pan can cause the sauce to separate or curdle.

What To Serve With Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the rich cream sauce perfectly. Garlic bread is also essential for scooping up any leftover cheese and sauce from the plate.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also assemble this dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves a lot of prep time. Just shred the breast and thigh meat into bite-sized pieces.

Can I freeze this pasta bake?

You can freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before putting it in the oven.

What other pasta shapes work best?

Any short, tubular pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or cavatappi will hold the creamy sauce well.

Nutrition

• Calories: 540 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 42g
• Protein: 28g

Try More Recipes:

• Chicken Sausage Zucchini Pasta Recipe
• Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe
• Olive Garden Chicken Carbonara Pasta Recipe