5 Best Chicken Pasta Bake Recipes You'll Love

There's something magical about combining the rich, comforting flavors of chicken with the silky, warm textures of pasta, and when you bake it all together, you get a meal that's both hearty and indulgent. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or just need a comforting family meal, chicken pasta bake is your go-to dish. Here, we've curated five of the best chicken pasta bake recipes you'll absolutely love.

The Ultimate Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

Begin with the mother of all pasta bakes: the Ultimate Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake. This recipe takes the classic Alfredo sauce and enhances it with tender chicken and a variety of cheeses, all baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 16 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
3. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until you have a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the Alfredo sauce.
6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

🍽️ Note: This dish can be easily made gluten-free by substituting regular fettuccine with gluten-free pasta.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

If you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake will be right up your alley. It’s a fiery twist on the traditional bake, filled with Buffalo sauce and blue cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix Buffalo sauce and cream. Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with cheddar cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Finish with crumbled blue cheese and green onions before serving.

Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake

This pasta bake combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the savory richness of cheese and chicken for a Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 16 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta, then drain.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine with the chicken and pasta, then transfer to a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

🍅 Note: You can add spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost.

Healthy Broccoli and Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake

For those looking for something a bit lighter, this Healthy Broccoli and Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake offers a fresh, herbaceous flavor with the goodness of pesto and broccoli.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 16 oz whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup homemade or store-bought pesto sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup Greek yogurt
• ¹⁄₄ cup shredded mozzarella for topping
• ¹⁄₄ cup pine nuts, toasted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. Blanch broccoli and set aside.
4. Mix chicken, broccoli, pasta, pesto, and yogurt in a bowl.
5. Place in a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
6. Scatter pine nuts over the top before serving.

Mexican-Inspired Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake

Infuse your pasta bake with the bold flavors of Mexico. This recipe brings together the heat of spices and the comforting elements of enchiladas in a unique pasta bake.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 16 oz fusilli pasta
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain.
3. In a bowl, combine chicken, pasta, enchilada sauce, beans, corn, chili powder, and salt.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, cover with cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Once out of the oven, mix in sour cream and garnish with cilantro.

In summary, the world of chicken pasta bakes is expansive and exciting, offering dishes that range from creamy to spicy, from traditional to innovative. Each recipe provided here has its unique appeal, ensuring there's something for everyone's taste and dietary preference. These dishes not only offer a delightful taste experience but also embody the comfort of home cooking. Whether it's a family dinner or a special gathering, these recipes will surely become favorites in your culinary repertoire.