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Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake: Easy Weeknight Comfort
Creamy chicken pasta bake: simple steps for a comforting weeknight dish, with cheese, garlic cream sauce and baked perfection.
Why this recipe works
This creamy chicken pasta bake is a comforting, one-dish meal suited to busy weeknights and meal prep. It serves families or anyone craving a hearty, cheesy pasta with chicken.
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- easy chicken pasta
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Key takeaways
1. Use al dente pasta to avoid sogginess.
2. Melted cheese creates a smooth, bubbly topping.
3. Customize with greens or different cheeses for variety.
Recipe guide
This creamy chicken pasta bake is a comforting, one-dish meal suited to busy weeknights and meal prep. It serves families or anyone craving a hearty, cheesy pasta with chicken.
A cozy, cheesy bake that comes together fast.
- 1. Use al dente pasta to avoid sogginess.
- 2. Melted cheese creates a smooth, bubbly topping.
- 3. Customize with greens or different cheeses for variety.
Overview
A creamy baked pasta dish with chicken, melted cheese and a light garlic cream sauce. Perfect for family dinners and make-ahead meals.
How to make it
Cook pasta to al dente, prepare a garlic cream sauce with butter, heavy cream and cheese, combine with chicken, bake until bubbly and golden.
Make it flexible
Swap in different cheeses or pasta shapes, add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, and adjust portions for small or large plates.
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken and the cream sauce in a large bowl, tossing to coat evenly.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use any pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, fusilli or shells all work well.
Can I prep in advance?
Yes. Assemble, refrigerate up to 1 day, then bake longer to heat through.
How to store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the microwave or oven.