ULTIMATE CREAMY CHEESY CHICKEN PASTA BAKE
This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a luscious, creamy, cheesy sauce. It's a flavor explosion that's easy to customize with your favorite additions, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- saucepan
- Whisk
- Large bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt for chicken
- ½ teaspoon black pepper for chicken
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder for chicken
- ¼ teaspoon paprika for chicken
- 1 lb pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
- 4 tablespoons butter for sauce
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt for sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper for sauce
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for sauce
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente.
- Drain pasta and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and creamy cheese sauce.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta bake.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use whole milk and full-fat cream cheese. Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, peas, spinach, or mushrooms. You can assemble the bake ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.