Who doesn’t love a comforting, cheesy pasta dish? My Easy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. With just 8 simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal.

The secret to this recipe is the layers of flavor and texture. The pasta is cooked until just shy of al dente. Then, it’s tossed in a luscious sauce made with sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, and a blend of Colby Jack and cheddar cheeses. Topped with a buttery cracker crumble, this dish emerges from the oven golden and irresistible.

Why This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Is a Family Favorite

This cheesy chicken pasta bake is loved by many families. It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender chicken. It’s a staple in many homes.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals

This dish is great for busy days. You can make it ahead and refrigerate it. Then, just bake it when you’re ready.

This makes it perfect for weeknights or meals for others. It’s a hot, homemade dinner with little effort.

Budget-Friendly Comfort Food

This recipe is also easy on your wallet. It uses affordable ingredients like pasta, chicken, and cheese. It’s a comforting meal that won’t cost much.

Minimal Clean-Up Required

This dish is also easy to clean up. You only need a few tools and one dish. This saves you time and lets you focus on family.

In short, this cheesy chicken pasta bake is a hit with families. It’s easy to make ahead, budget-friendly, and simple to clean up. It’s a delicious choice for busy homes. Enjoy it and make memories with your loved ones.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

To make this tasty pasta recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. You’ll need seasoned chicken breast, sour cream, and condensed cream of chicken soup. Also, you’ll need shredded Colby Jack and cheddar cheese, and 12 ounces of short pasta like penne pasta. Don’t forget butter and crushed butter crackers for the topping.

The recipe is flexible, letting you use different pasta types. You can choose penne pasta, egg noodles, or even Amish egg noodles. For cooking, you’ll need a medium pot, a 13″x9″ baking dish, a large mixing bowl, and a spatula. You can also make your own cream of chicken soup instead of using canned.

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken Breast	Seasoned and cooked
Sour Cream	1 cup
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup	1 (10.5 oz) can
Colby Jack Cheese	2 cups, shredded
Cheddar Cheese	3/4 cup, shredded
Pasta	12 ounces of short pasta (like penne pasta)
Butter	2 tablespoons
Crushed Butter Crackers	1 cup

With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious chicken pasta recipe. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Pasta and Chicken

Start by cooking the penne pasta until it’s al dente. Follow the package instructions. Drain the pasta and keep 1 cup of the cooking water. In a big bowl, mix the cooked pasta with shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed chicken breast. Set it aside.

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In another bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and the cheese is melted.

Assembly and Baking Tips

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13″x9″ baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Mix the creamy cheese sauce with the pasta and chicken. Add some pasta cooking water to help mix it well. Put the cheesy mixture in the prepared dish.

Melt butter and mix it with crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this topping over the pasta. Bake for 28-30 minutes, until the edges bubble and the cheese is golden. Serve hot, with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like.

For extra flavor, season the chicken with garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before mixing it with the pasta. This cheesy chicken pasta bake is quick and great for a family dinner.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This chicken pasta bake recipe is very flexible. You can use leftover cooked chicken or fresh chicken breasts or thighs. You can even swap chicken for turkey, perfect for using up holiday leftovers.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and make sure all ingredients are gluten-free. You can replace the cracker topping with crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, corn flakes, or seasoned croutons. Choose what you like best.

This chicken pasta bake can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking in the preheated oven. It’s a quick and tasty meal.

Nutrition Facts	Value	% Daily Value
Calories	429	–
Carbohydrates	48%	–
Protein	29%	–
Fat	16%	–
Saturated Fat	31%	–
Polyunsaturated Fat	2%	–
Monounsaturated Fat	5%	–
Cholesterol	55mg	18%
Sodium	757mg	33%
Potassium	405mg	12%
Fiber	4g	17%
Sugar	6g	7%
Vitamin A	5300IU	106%
Vitamin C	41.3mg	50%
Calcium	210mg	21%
Iron	3.6mg	20%

This chicken pasta bake takes about 40 minutes to prepare. You’ll need butter, olive oil, onion, garlic, cream of chicken soup, whole milk, sour cream, and more. It’s baked in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

This easy cheesy chicken pasta bake is perfect for families. It’s full of flavor and easy to make. It’s the ultimate comfort food, great for feeding a crowd or meal prep.

Preparing this dish is simple, and cleaning up is easy. You can also make it your own by using different ingredients. Add a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Looking for a tasty, homemade pasta dish that’s easy on the wallet? Try this cheesy chicken pasta bake. It’s a mix of cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and pasta that’s sure to be a hit at home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake