![['Close-up view of a juicy Chicken Pasta Bake, showcasing pasta and melted cheese.', 'Side view of Chicken Pasta Bake, highlighting shredded chicken and creamy texture.', 'Detailed shot of a Chicken Pasta Bake with pasta, cheese, and fresh herbs visible.', 'Appetizing Chicken Pasta Bake presented in a baking dish with golden-brown cheese.']](https://chickenrecipeworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/chicken-pasta-bake_1_U1.webp)
Chicken Pasta Bake
A comforting baked pasta dish combining tender chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (rotisserie or grilled chicken)
- 12 ounces short pasta of choice (farfalle, penne, elbows, etc.)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 yellow onion diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2-3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or chopped fresh herbs)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- to taste ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted water, reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Melt butter, sauté onion, add garlic, then stir in flour, tomato paste, and cook briefly.
- Add tomatoes and milk, season, simmer until thickened, then stir in parsley and cheeses. Whisk in pasta water and fold in chicken.
- Combine pasta with sauce, transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.