If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying dinner that’s quick, cozy, and packed with flavor, this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. Using simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, it transforms leftover chicken into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for any night of the week. The velvety sauce clings to every twist of rotini, making each bite irresistibly creamy and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in building its rich, comforting character. From the tender cooked chicken providing hearty protein to the blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses creating that deliciously gooey texture, each element is essential to the perfect pasta bake experience.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Perfect for using leftovers and adding savory substance.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: Its curly shape helps hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create the base of the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, savory punch to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to the ideal consistency.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Brings depth of flavor while keeping it light.
- 1 cup milk: For the creamy, luscious texture of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully, giving the dish its gooey goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and balance.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright touch as a finishing garnish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until it’s just al dente, so it has a pleasing bite that won’t turn mushy during baking. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, since it’s the canvas that will soak up all the creamy goodness ahead.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook it gently for about a minute until it becomes fragrant without browning, which brings out that irresistible aromatic base for the sauce.
Step 3: Make a Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it continuously with the butter and garlic to form a roux. Cooking this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes removes the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce while ensuring a silky smooth texture.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. This sauce will coat every piece of pasta with luscious, velvety flavor.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken
Next, stir in the cooked chicken along with the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Keep mixing until the cheeses melt completely into the sauce, resulting in a smooth, creamy blend that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every rotini spiral is fully coated in that rich, cheesy sauce. This is the moment when everything starts coming together into a comforting feast.
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Finally, season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like. The parsley adds a fresh and vibrant contrast to the creamy richness, making your Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or even a little extra Parmesan right before serving adds both a pop of color and a burst of flavor that elevates this dish from everyday comfort to a little celebration on your plate.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables pairs beautifully with the richness of the pasta bake. These lighter sides introduce freshness and texture contrast, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions baked in small ramekins for a charming, personalized touch, or add a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking for a crispy golden crust that adds exciting texture to every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the dish even more satisfying when reheated.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked chicken?
For this recipe, cooked chicken is best since it’s added at the end to prevent drying out. If you only have raw chicken, cook it thoroughly first before adding it to the sauce.
What’s the best pasta shape for this bake?
Rotini is ideal because its twists catch and hold the creamy sauce perfectly, but penne or fusilli would also work well if you’re out of rotini.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese to create a creamy sauce without the dairy, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s stored in airtight containers and thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Stir in cooked broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach to add color, nutrition, and extra flavor that complements the creamy chicken and cheesy sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is truly one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. It’s quick, so comforting, and endlessly adaptable. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite go-to dinner.
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 combines tender cooked chicken with rotini pasta in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect easy weeknight meal that transforms leftovers into a rich, cheesy skillet dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken & Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 8 oz rotini pasta
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 the 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 and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour to the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk continuously and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add chicken and cheeses: Stir in the cooked chicken, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken sauce.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese amounts.
- Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe; you can also use rotisserie chicken.
- To make it gluten free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor but is optional.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta in step 1; it should be slightly firm as it will continue cooking when tossed in the sauce.
