Chicken Pasta Bake
Creamy chicken pasta bake combines tender cooked chicken, vegetables, and melted cheeses in a comforting casserole, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup zucchini ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried whole basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 8 ounces shell macaroni or colored spirals ⓘ
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 2 cups whipping cream ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, sliced fresh mushrooms, zucchini, minced garlic, and chopped celery in melted butter until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Stir in dried whole basil, salt, and crushed red pepper; set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Combine cooked pasta, vegetable mixture, and chopped cooked chicken in a large bowl.
- Spoon mixture into a greased 11 x 7 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan, combine whipping cream and shredded cheeses.
- Cook over low heat until cheese melts, stirring frequently.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours if storing.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the zucchini with spinach or kale. If you're short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut for the cooked chicken. To enhance the creaminess, add a splash of chicken broth to the cheese sauce. Remember to stir the cheese sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Pasta Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables, such as Lemony Broccoli With Garlic. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the flavors even more.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Pasta Bake contains roughly 953 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Pasta Bake ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it well, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and cook as directed.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute it with Cheddar, Gouda, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Each will give a different flavor profile, but they will all melt well and complement the pasta and chicken.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli. Just make sure to sauté them until they are tender before mixing them with the pasta and chicken to ensure even cooking in the bake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).