Ciao amici! I’m Jeviko and welcome to my Italian kitchen. Today I’m sharing with you my famiglia’s recipe for a saucy, irresistible Italian Chicken Pasta Bake. This is the ultimate comfort food – noodles and chicken smothered in cheeses and tomatoes. It’s a dish that will transport you straight to a trattoria in Rome or Napoli.
I love this pasta bake because it is incredibly flavorful yet so easy to prepare. Everything gets baked all together in one casserole for a meal that is satisfying and mess-free. The tomatoes, Italian seasoning, spinach, and combination of oozing mozzarella and parmesan cheeses makes this pasta rich, savory, and extra delicious.
The best part is you likely have most, if not all, of the ingredients on hand. And since it bakes unattended, it gives you time to toss together an Italian-style salad or garlic bread while the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma. I like to serve it straight from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and starting to brown.
This pasta bake is a great way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies too. I often add chopped spinach or zucchini which hides nicely in the sauce. And the leftovers make amazing next-day lunches too. Just remember to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so the textures and flavors have time to meld.
I hope you’ll give this cheesy Italian Chicken Pasta Bake a try soon. It’s great for feeding a crowd, perfect for Sunday supper, and guaranteed to be a new family favorite. Now let’s get cooking, amici!
Let’s start with the FAQs:
What makes this pasta bake so delicious?
The combination of flavors from the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, spinach, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese makes this pasta incredibly delicious. The melty mozzarella and nutty parmesan pair perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce and earthy spinach. The Italian seasoning adds warmth from the basil, oregano, and garlic. When all these ingredients come together and bake, the flavors meld beautifully into a rich, mouthwatering pasta bake.
What can I add to this recipe?
You can easily toss in some chopped veggies like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli to pack extra nutrients into this meal. The veggies bake right into the casserole and add nice texture and color contrast. Spinach is an especially good addition because it wilts down nicely and packs a nutritional boost.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Just assemble the casserole and refrigerate unbaked up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the pasta cooks through and the chicken reheats fully. Covering tightly with foil helps prevent the pasta from drying out.
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
You sure can! Let it cool completely then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. Add 10 minutes or so to the original baking time.
What can I serve with this Italian chicken pasta?
A leafy green salad and garlic bread make great accompaniments. The fresh salad balances the richness of the cheesy pasta. And buttery garlic bread is the perfect vehicle for swiping up any delicious leftover sauce.
Now let’s get cooking! Here is what you’ll need:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta, about 2 cups dry (226g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into 1 inch pieces (450g)
- 1 small onion, diced (110g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounce jar pasta sauce (680g)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounce bag shredded mozzarella, about 2 cups (227g)
- 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Cook chicken pieces for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown on the outside.
- Add onions and garlic and continue cooking for 3-4 more minutes until onions soften. Stir in pasta sauce and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the chicken sauce, and 1 cup (113g) of the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Sprinkle Parmesan over top and cover tightly with foil. Bake 20 minutes then remove foil and continue baking 5 more minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, use homemade or your favorite high-quality pasta sauce instead of jarred.
- For a veggie version, replace the chicken with sliced mushrooms or eggplant.
- Underbake the pasta slightly before assembling to prevent overcooking in the oven.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so the flavors can blend together.
