10-Minute Chicken Pasta Bake: Easiest & Yummiest Recipe

Hey comfort food fans! Get ready for a creamy, dreamy Chicken Pasta Bake that’s pure weeknight magic. We’re talking tender chicken, perfect pasta, and a luscious sauce everyone will adore – a true hug in a bowl!

I’ll never forget when my picky eater, who usually avoids anything green, devoured a plateful of this Chicken Pasta Bake, broccoli and all! This bake is special because it’s incredibly simple, ready in under an hour, and a guaranteed family favorite. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken too. Much like our popular One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken, this dish is all about easy, satisfying flavor.

Ready for some cheesy goodness? Let’s get baking this amazing Chicken Pasta Bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Pasta Bake isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. Here’s why it’s bound to capture your heart (and stomach!):

It’s Incredibly Quick and Easy: We all have those days when time is short, but the craving for a home-cooked meal is strong. This Chicken Pasta Bake is your answer. With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you can have a bubbling, delicious bake on the table in under an hour. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
A Fantastic Way to Use Leftover Chicken: Got some leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts from another meal? This recipe is the perfect way to transform them into something new and exciting. It reduces food waste and gives you a head start on dinner – a win-win!
Totally Customizable – Make It Your Own!: While this Chicken Pasta Bake recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables – perhaps some sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or vibrant bell peppers. You can also switch up the cheese or add a sprinkle of different herbs. It’s a great base for your culinary creativity.
Kid-Friendly and Picky-Eater Approved: The creamy sauce, familiar pasta, and tender chicken are a winning combination for even the fussiest eaters. The cheesy topping is always a hit, and you can finely chop veggies to sneak in some extra nutrients. It’s a meal that will have the kids cleaning their plates and asking for this Chicken Pasta Bake again!
Makes a Generous Batch – Perfect for Families or Meal Prepping: This recipe yields a good-sized bake, making it ideal for feeding a hungry family. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious (some might even say better!) the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or another easy dinner. This Chicken Pasta Bake is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a dish that feels like a warm hug. The combination of pasta, creamy sauce, chicken, and melted cheese is the epitome of comfort food. It’s satisfying, heartwarming, and perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Chicken Pasta Bake, you’ll need the following simple, yet flavorful ingredients. I’ve added a few notes on why each one is important and some potential tweaks!

1 pound (about 450g) pasta: Penne, rotini, ziti, or fusilli are excellent choices for this Chicken Pasta Bake. Their shapes are perfect for catching all that delicious sauce. Go for good quality dried pasta; it really does make a difference to the final texture. Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit more in the oven.
2 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is great for sautéing the aromatics, adding a lovely base flavor. You can also use avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil if you prefer.
1 medium onion, chopped: Onion forms the aromatic base of our sauce. Yellow or white onions work best. Chop it relatively finely so it melts into the sauce nicely. If you’re short on time, pre-chopped onions from the grocery store are a lifesaver.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that punchy, aromatic flavor we all love. Mince it finely or use a garlic press. If you’re a garlic fanatic, feel free to add an extra clove to your Chicken Pasta Bake!
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded: This is where leftover chicken shines! Rotisserie chicken is incredibly convenient and flavorful. Alternatively, you can quickly poach or pan-fry a couple of chicken breasts. Cut or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Make sure it’s unseasoned or lightly seasoned, as we’ll be adding plenty of flavor.
1 (14.5 ounce / 410g) can diced tomatoes, undrained: The tomatoes add a lovely tang and acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Undrained is important as the juice adds flavor and moisture. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add an extra layer of smoky depth if you have them.
1 (10.75 ounce / 305g) can condensed cream of chicken soup: This is our shortcut to a creamy, savory sauce. It provides a fantastic base and rich chicken flavor. If you’re not a fan of canned soup, you can make a homemade béchamel sauce flavored with chicken broth.
1/2 cup (120ml) milk: Milk helps to thin out the condensed soup, creating the perfect sauce consistency. Whole milk will make it richer, but 2% or even skim milk will work. For a creamier sauce, you could use half-and-half or light cream.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional, but recommended!): A bag of frozen peas, carrots, corn, and green beans is an easy way to add color, nutrients, and texture. No need to thaw them first; just toss them straight in. Broccoli florets or spinach also work well in this Chicken Pasta Bake.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This classic blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds a wonderful Mediterranean aroma and flavor. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano and basil will do the trick.
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Remember that the condensed soup and cheese also contain salt, so taste and adjust accordingly.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste): Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth.
1 1/2 cups (about 6 ounces / 170g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Mozzarella is the star for that glorious, melty, cheesy topping. Full-fat, low-moisture mozzarella melts best. Shredding your own cheese from a block is always recommended for superior meltiness and flavor compared to pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents. We’ll use some in the bake and reserve plenty for the top of our Chicken Pasta Bake. You can also mix in some cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Chicken Pasta Bake is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. I’ll walk you through each part, explaining the why’s along the way.

Preheat & Prep Your Station: First things first, let’s get that oven warming up. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature when your bake is ready to go in, leading to even cooking. While it’s preheating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch (or similar capacity) baking dish. A little butter or cooking spray will do the trick, preventing your delicious Chicken Pasta Bake from sticking.
Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions, but here’s a key tip: cook it until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, and if it’s overcooked initially, it can become mushy in the final bake. Once al dente, drain it well using a colander and set it aside. You can toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking if it’s going to sit for a while.
Sauté the Aromatics – Building Flavor: While your pasta is bubbling away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, translucent, and starting to release its sweetness. Don’t rush this step; softened onions form a delicious flavor base. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Add the Chicken & Tomatoes – Layering More Goodness: Now, introduce the cubed or shredded cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir it around to combine with the onions and garlic and allow it to heat through, soaking up those lovely aromatic flavors. This step also helps to lightly brown the chicken if it wasn’t already. Follow this by pouring in the can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. The tomato juice adds essential moisture and tang. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Create the Creamy Sauce – The Heart of the Bake: In a separate large bowl (large enough to eventually hold all the pasta and chicken mixture), whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and the milk. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This is the creamy backbone of your Chicken Pasta Bake. Now, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables (if you’re using them – no need to thaw!), the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Combine Everything – The Grand Mix: Gently add the cooked and drained pasta to the large bowl containing the sauce. Then, pour in the chicken and tomato mixture from the skillet. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir everything together very carefully but thoroughly. You want every piece of pasta and chicken to be lovingly coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to incorporate everything.
Transfer to Your Baking Dish & Add Cheese: Carefully pour the entire pasta mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your spatula. Now for one of the best parts: sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This layer will melt into gooey perfection as it bakes.
Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the Chicken Pasta Bake to be heated all the way through, the sauce to be bubbling gently around the edges, and the cheese on top to be beautifully melted and just starting to turn golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be incredible!
Optional Broil for Extra Goldenness: If you like your cheese topping extra golden and bubbly with a few crispy bits (who doesn’t?), you can switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a very close eye on it during this stage, as the cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly under the broiler.
Rest Before Serving – Patience is a Virtue!: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the Chicken Pasta Bake from the oven. Now, this is important: let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the molten cheese and sauce to set up a bit, making it easier to serve and preventing you from burning your mouth on super hot pasta. It also allows the flavors to meld even further. If you like, you can garnish with some fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness before dishing it out.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round it out and make it even more special:

Serve with a Fresh Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple lemon-tahini or balsamic dressing. This adds a healthy element and makes the meal feel more complete.
Garlic Bread is a Must: Is there anything better than mopping up leftover creamy sauce with a warm piece of garlic bread? I think not! You can make your own by toasting slices of baguette with garlic butter and herbs, or simply use your favorite store-bought variety. Cheesy garlic bread would be even more indulgent alongside your Chicken Pasta Bake.
A Sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little bit of a kick, offer some red pepper flakes on the side. A small sprinkle can add a lovely warmth and cut through the creaminess without overpowering the dish.
Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: If you didn’t add many vegetables into the bake itself, serving it with a side of simply steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli florets is a great way to boost the veggie content. A squeeze of lemon juice over them brightens them up.
A Dollop of Something Cool and Tangy: A small dollop of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or even a touch of ricotta cheese on top of each serving can add an interesting tangy counterpoint to the savory bake.
Fruit Salad for Dessert: After such a comforting and satisfying main course, a light and refreshing fruit salad would be the perfect dessert to cleanse the palate.

FAQs

Got questions about this Chicken Pasta Bake? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:

Can I use different types of pasta for this Chicken Pasta Bake?
Absolutely! While penne, rotini, and ziti are great because their shapes hold sauce well, feel free to use other short pasta shapes like farfalle (bow-tie), conchiglie (shells), or even elbow macaroni. Just ensure you cook it al dente. Long pasta like spaghetti isn’t typically recommended for bakes as it can become a bit unwieldy.
Can I add more or different vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! This Chicken Pasta Bake recipe is very forgiving and adaptable. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers (any color!), zucchini, or even wilted spinach would be delicious additions. If adding fresh, heartier vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced carrots, you might want to blanch them briefly or sauté them with the onions to ensure they cook through properly.
Can I make this Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal! You can assemble the entire bake (up to the point of baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before to take the chill off, then bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftover Chicken Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or reheat a larger amount in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Covering it with foil while reheating in the oven can help prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze this Chicken Pasta Bake?
Yes, this bake freezes quite well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Allow the bake to cool completely after baking. Then, you can either freeze the entire dish (well-wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil) or divide it into individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or bake from frozen, adding significant time (likely 45-60 minutes or more, covered with foil for most of the time).
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Sure! Mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, but feel free to experiment. Cheddar (sharp or mild), Monterey Jack, Provolone, Colby Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top along with the mozzarella adds a nice salty, nutty flavor.
My sauce seems too thick/too thin. What can I do?
If your sauce seems too thick before baking, you can stir in an extra splash of milk or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it seems a bit thin, remember that it will thicken up somewhat as it bakes and as the pasta absorbs some of the liquid. You could also add a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian pasta bake, you can omit the chicken and the cream of chicken soup. Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like roasted mushrooms, eggplant, or chickpeas. For the sauce, you could use a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup or make a creamy béchamel sauce from scratch using vegetable broth.

Nutrition Facts

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients used, brands, and exact portion sizes. This is for one serving, assuming the bake makes about 6-8 servings.

Serving Size: Approximately 1/6th to 1/8th of the bake (about 1.5 – 2 cups)
Calories: Around 450-550 kcal
Protein: Approximately 30-35g (largely from chicken and cheese)
Fat: Approximately 20-25g (from olive oil, cheese, chicken, and soup)
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-12g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g (mainly from pasta and vegetables)
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g (more if you add extra vegetables)
- Sugar: Approximately 5-8g (from tomatoes and some processed ingredients)
Sodium: Can be relatively high due to condensed soup and cheese, around 800-1200mg. Look for lower-sodium soup options if this is a concern.

To make a lighter version of this Chicken Pasta Bake, consider using whole wheat pasta for more fiber, lean chicken breast, reduced-fat cheese, and a lower-sodium cream soup, or make a lighter béchamel sauce. Loading it up with more vegetables will also increase its nutritional value.

Recipe Tips

Want to ensure your Chicken Pasta Bake is absolutely perfect every time? Here are some extra tips and tricks from my kitchen to yours:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta Initially: I can’t stress this enough! Cook the pasta only until it’s al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). It will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooked pasta will result in a mushy bake.
Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for Maximum Flavor and Ease: Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and incredibly tender. Just shred or cube the meat and you’re good to go.
Shred Your Own Cheese – It’s Worth It!: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Buying a block of mozzarella and shredding it yourself takes a few extra minutes but results in a much better, gooier, and more flavorful cheesy topping for your Chicken Pasta Bake.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before assembling the bake, taste the sauce mixture (before adding raw pasta if you’re concerned, or just taste the sauce with the cooked chicken). Adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. Different brands of condensed soup and diced tomatoes can vary in saltiness.
Add a Splash of Hot Sauce for a Little Kick: If you like a bit of spice, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco) stirred into the sauce can add a wonderful subtle warmth without making it overly spicy.
Prevent the Top from Browning Too Quickly: If you notice the cheese on top of your Chicken Pasta Bake is browning too quickly before the bake is heated through, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to crisp it up again.
Let It Rest – Seriously!: That 5-10 minute resting period after it comes out of the oven is crucial. It allows the molten cheese and sauce to set slightly, making it much easier to serve neat portions and preventing the dreaded lava-hot first bite.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried Italian seasoning is great for the sauce, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, basil, or even chives over the finished Chicken Pasta Bake adds a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
Don’t Be Afraid to Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a large crowd or want plenty of leftovers for freezing, this recipe doubles easily. Just use a larger baking dish or two separate ones.

Conclusion

And there you have it – your guide to creating an absolutely irresistible Chicken Pasta Bake that’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation! From its creamy, savory sauce to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all crowned with a glorious layer of melted cheese, this dish is pure comfort food heaven. It’s wonderfully easy to make, incredibly versatile, and a surefire hit with the whole family.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting your culinary adventures, this Chicken Pasta Bake recipe is designed for success. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring warmth, joy, and deliciousness to your table with minimal stress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and heartwarming dish.

For more delicious and easy recipe inspiration, don’t forget to check out these fantastic resources:

A treasure trove of chicken and pasta ideas can often be found at BBC Good Food.
For different takes on classic comfort bakes, RecipeTin Eats is always a great source of inspiration.

Happy baking, and even happier eating! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy every single bite of this Chicken Pasta Bake.