Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of a creamy chicken casserole made with rotini pasta, tender chicken chunks, a cheesy sauce, and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh parsley in a white bowl.

Velvety Chicken Pasta Bake

A warm, cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken and pasta with a crisp, golden topping for a cozy family dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta rotini or penne for a firm bite
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for searing
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking
  • Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning the chicken
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped for sweetness
  • 2 cloves garlic minced fresh garlic, or substitute garlic powder
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth can use vegetable broth or homemade stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or mix with mozzarella for extra meltiness
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or substitute with basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary as an alternative
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs Panko or crushed crackers work too
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese or Grana Padano/Asiago
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter to help crisp the topping

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish lightly greased with butter or non-stick spray
  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
  • 2 Mixing bowls for combining ingredients and topping
  • 1 set Measuring Cups and Spoons for precise ingredient measurement

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain.
  3. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken pieces until fully cooked. Transfer to a bowl.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until the onion becomes translucent.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to loosen bits from the pan. Add cheddar cheese and let it melt into a smooth sauce. Stir in dried oregano and thyme.
  6. Combine cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce in the skillet, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  7. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  8. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 250gCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 22gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 820IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 285mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This comforting chicken bake is perfect for cozy nights or casual family dinners. The rich cheese sauce and crisp breadcrumb topping make each bite irresistibly satisfying.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!