Easy Chicken Pasta Bake
This Easy Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and pasta in a rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a simple weeknight meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It allows you to use leftover chicken and pasta, making it a fantastic option for reducing food waste. Plus, it’s a kid-friendly dish that will satisfy adults too. The combination of flavors is comforting and satisfying, making it a great choice for any occasion.
How to make Easy Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to serve Easy Chicken Pasta Bake
Serve this chicken pasta bake hot out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil on top for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy it as a main course that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
How to store Easy Chicken Pasta Bake
To store leftovers, let the pasta bake cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Tips to make Easy Chicken Pasta Bake
- Use any leftover cooked pasta and chicken you have on hand to make this dish even easier.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- If you want a little more kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
Variation
You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with cooked veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or a mix of your favorites. Just keep the marinara sauce and cheese, and you will have a delicious veggie pasta bake!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great choice for this recipe as it saves time and adds great flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Easy Chicken Pasta Bake
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken and pasta in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a simple weeknight meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve hot with a fresh salad or garlic bread. Storing leftovers: cool completely then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
