Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe | Chicken and Pasta Casserole
There’s nothing quite like a comforting Chicken Pasta Bake to bring the family together for a hearty meal. My family loves dishes like this one—tender chicken and pasta smothered in a rich, creamy bechamel sauce, baked to perfection. This Chicken and Pasta Casserole is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want something filling and delicious without too much effort. The combination of savory chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce makes this chicken bechamel pasta a guaranteed hit for everyone at the table.
If you love easy comforting baked meals, you might also enjoy our Cheesy Baked Ziti, Classic Lasagna, 3-Ingredient Mac and Cheese, or our famous Shepherd’s Pie recipe!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Pasta Bake
I originally published this video recipe on my YouTube channel in November 2020, and since then, it has been a huge hit among my subscribers. It gained almost 4 million views, and thousands of people have tried this chicken and pasta casserole and loved it! Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:
- it’s incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy bechamel sauce creates the perfect comfort meal that’s cheesy, satisfying, and baked to golden perfection.
- Plus, this dish is versatile—you can add vegetables, swap the pasta, or even use leftover chicken.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with a hearty, home-cooked meal!
Ingredients for Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- Pasta of your choice: The base of this easy Chicken Pasta Bake, providing the perfect texture to soak up the creamy bechamel and savory chicken mixture.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the ingredients, enhancing the flavors and adding a touch of richness.
- Chicken breasts: The main protein in this chicken pasta casserole, adding tenderness and flavor to the dish.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the filling, complementing the chicken and tomato sauce.
- Garlic: Provides a burst of aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Bell peppers: Adds color, sweetness, and texture to the chicken and pasta mixture.
- Tomato paste and tomato sauce: The tangy base of the filling, giving the dish its rich, hearty tomato flavor.
- Salt, black pepper, oregano, paprika: These seasonings bring out the flavors in the sauce and chicken, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Butter, flour, milk: The key ingredients in the creamy bechamel sauce, which ties everything together in this cheesy pasta bake.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the bechamel sauce.
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: The cheesy topping that melts to golden perfection, making the bake irresistible with its creamy and gooey texture.
How to Make Chicken Casserole
- Prepare the chicken filling: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add crushed garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the chicken breast cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked. Then, add diced bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 more minutes. Mix in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, then set aside.
- Cook the pasta: While preparing the chicken filling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms. Gradually whisk in warm milk, cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Stir in salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. This rich béchamel will be the creamy base of the chicken bechamel pasta.
- Assemble and bake: Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture and the béchamel sauce. Mix until everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
This Best Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is an easy, cheesy, and comforting Baked Chicken and Pasta casserole perfect for family dinners!
Tips and Tricks
- Cook the pasta al dente: For the best texture, cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. This ensures the pasta won’t become too soft while baking in the casserole, giving you a perfect chicken and pasta casserole every time.
- Use warm milk for the béchamel: When making the creamy bechamel sauce, always use warm milk. This helps the sauce come together smoothly and quickly without lumps, ensuring a rich and velvety texture for your chicken bechamel pasta.
- Season well: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Adding enough salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika to the chicken and tomato sauce ensures a flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the cheesy top layer.
- Cheese combination: For the ultimate cheesy topping, mix mozzarella and cheddar. Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture, while cheddar adds a sharp, flavorful contrast, making your baked chicken and pasta extra delicious.
- Make ahead: This easy chicken pasta bake can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great time-saver for busy days.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful layers in your chicken pasta bake!
Substitutes and Variations
- Pasta substitutes: You can swap out regular pasta for whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even chickpea pasta for a healthier twist on this chicken and pasta casserole. These options will still hold up well with the creamy bechamel sauce.
- Chicken alternatives: If you prefer something different, you can use turkey, ground beef, or even rotisserie chicken as a quick substitute. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite plant-based protein.
- Dairy-free option: For a dairy-free version of this chicken bechamel pasta, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) in the béchamel and swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine. You can also replace the cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it creamy and cheesy.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutrition of this baked chicken and pasta by adding veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas. Simply sauté them with the chicken and peppers for an even heartier casserole.
- Spice it up: For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the tomato sauce. This will bring a subtle heat that complements the creamy, cheesy layers.
More Comforting Recipes
If you love comforting dishes like this Chicken and Pasta Casserole, be sure to these recipes as well:
Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe (Chicken and Pasta Casserole)
Equipment
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 13 oz (370 g) Pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 Chicken breasts cut into small cubes
- 1 Onion chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves crushed
- 2 Bell peppers diced
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 14 oz (400 g) Tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
For the béchamel:
- 6 tablespoons (90 g) Butter
- ¾ cup (90 g) Flour
- 3 cups (720 ml) Milk warm
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
For the topping:
- 3 oz (85 g) Mozzarella grated
- 3 oz (85 g) Cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Prepare large and dip baking dish, set aside.
- To a large pot filled with water add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, add crushed garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes more. Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Then add diced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano and stir well. Cook for 3-4 minutes and turn the heat off.
- When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook to al dente (1-2 minutes less than in the package instructions).
- Meanwhile make the béchamel sauce: in a large sauce pan, melt the butter, add flour and whisk until smooth paste forms, then cook for 1 minute. Gradually add warm milk, while whisking constantly. Keep whisking over medium-high heat until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg.
- Add the sauce to the pasta, the add the chicken mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to a large casserole dish. Sprinkle on top some grated mozzarella and grated cheddar.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until golden-brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Video
Notes
- Watch the Video: For a better understanding of the recipe, I always recommend watching the video recipe, which includes a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.
- FAQs: Make sure you read the FAQs for this recipe which are located below the recipe box for additional tips and troubleshooting! For extra tips and variations read the article.
- How to store leftovers: Store leftover Chicken Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in portions.
Nutrition
Common Questions
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time. Simply assemble the chicken and pasta casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, bake it until golden and bubbly.
Store any leftover chicken bechamel pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave.
Yes, you can freeze this chicken and pasta casserole. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Any short pasta, like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, works great for this recipe. These types of pasta hold the sauce and chicken mixture well, making for a hearty chicken bechamel pasta.
Mozzarella and cheddar are great for a cheesy topping. Mozzarella gives a gooey texture, while cheddar adds flavor. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère for an extra rich and creamy baked chicken and pasta.
es, to make a gluten-free chicken pasta bake, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the regular flour in the béchamel with a gluten-free alternative, such as rice flour or cornstarch.
You can easily add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to this chicken and pasta casserole. Simply sauté them with the other filling ingredients for extra nutrition and flavor.
Hi, I’m wanting to add some broccoli, cauliflower and carrots just wondering do I add them with the bell peppers
At what temperature to bake?
It’s written in the recipe: 375F (190C).
This recipe became our fav in our family. We love it!