If you have some leftover chicken and want to turn it into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. The dish is deliciously creamy without being overwhelming, and it comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a satisfying way to use up leftovers with a touch of elegance. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe, it will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe lies in the simplicity and heartiness of its ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor, from the creamy sauce to the melty cheese and tender chicken.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Using leftover chicken adds protein and a savory depth with minimal prep time.
- Rotini pasta (8 oz): Twisted rotini traps the creamy sauce perfectly for every forkful.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create the base of your sauce.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic amps up the flavor with aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Infuses the sauce with savory notes and balances out the creaminess.
- Milk (1 cup): Creates a velvety texture in the sauce without heaviness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a salty, nutty punch that elevates the dish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey finish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the existing flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to round out the taste.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous notes when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook it just until al dente — tender but still with a little bite. This ensures the pasta won’t get mushy later when it bakes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter gently. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want that sweet, savory scent to fill your kitchen. This small step begins building the foundation of flavor for your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Whisk in the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over your melted butter and garlic, whisking constantly. You’re creating a roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully. Cook this mixture for another one to two minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste and develop a subtle nutty undertone that will make the sauce rich and luxurious.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Milk
Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring as the sauce heats up, and within three to five minutes, you’ll notice it starting to thicken into a smooth, creamy base that’s begging for cheese and chicken.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Chicken
Lower the heat and add your cooked chicken along with the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until all the cheeses melt completely, and the sauce becomes silky and luscious. This is the heart of the dish — full of creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this bake unforgettable.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta into your skillet and toss everything together, making sure every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in that dreamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch that also adds a lovely contrast in color. And just like that, your Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped fresh parsley is a simple but effective way to brighten the dish visually and add a mild herbal note. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can bring a little extra zing and depth to your serving plate.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or a simple side of steamed broccoli. The fresh, crunchy veggies provide a nice contrast to the creamy pasta, balancing the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins for a charming personalized touch, or layer it in a clear glass casserole dish so everyone can admire the creamy layers of chicken, pasta, and cheese before diving in. For a rustic vibe, serve it in a cast-iron skillet straight from oven to table — cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, this pasta bake freezes well. Transfer it to a freezer-safe dish or portion it out into individual containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven or on the stovetop to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the pasta from drying out. A splash of milk added before warming can revive the sauce’s silky texture, and covering the dish with foil helps trap moisture for a perfect reheat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is excellent at catching the sauce due to its shape, penne, fusilli, or even macaroni would work beautifully. Just be mindful to cook the pasta al dente regardless of the shape you pick to avoid sogginess after baking.
Is it okay to use a different type of cheese?
You can definitely experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack are tasty options that melt well. Just keep the balance of flavors in mind — Parmesan adds a salty punch that’s hard to replace entirely, so you might want to keep some of it.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version. The creamy, cheesy sauce will still make it incredibly satisfying.
How do I know when the sauce has thickened enough?
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a slightly thick consistency but still be pourable. If it’s too runny, cook it a bit longer while stirring. If it gets too thick, whisk in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative such as rice flour or a gluten-free blend to make the sauce. Just be sure the chicken broth is also gluten-free for a safe preparation.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients. This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe combines convenience with deliciousness in such a winning way that it soon becomes a weekday hero. So grab your leftover chicken, get the pasta boiling, and treat yourself to a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside. I promise you’ll be making this recipe again and again!
Print
Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Leftover Chicken Dinner is a quick and easy recipe that transforms cooked chicken and rotini pasta into a creamy, cheesy skillet meal. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella, it makes a delicious, satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to use up leftovers with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the sauce until it thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use any leftover cooked chicken, such as roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken for best flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened plant-based milk.
- To add some vegetables, consider tossing in steamed broccoli or spinach in the final step.
- Ensure the roux is cooked enough to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
