Welcome, food lovers! Today, we're diving into the glorious world of comfort food with a recipe that's about to become your new weeknight hero: the Easy Chicken Pasta Bake. Forget complicated steps and endless dishes; this dish is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy evenings, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.

Picture this: tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich, savory sauce all baked together under a blanket of golden, melted cheese. This recipe isn't just easy; it's a culinary hug in a dish, promising to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Let's get baking!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 450g) short pasta, such as penne or rotini
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works beautifully!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (a little firm to the bite). Drain well and set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked chicken and the drained pasta, ensuring everything is well coated with the sauce.
7. Fold in 1.5 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Evenly spread the mixture in the skillet (or transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet). Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta bake is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown and perfectly melted.
10. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Expert Tips

Pre-Cook Your Chicken Wisely

For ultimate ease, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken! Simply shred the meat and you're good to go. If cooking from scratch, boil or bake chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or dice. You can even prep this a day ahead to save time.

Don't Overcook the Pasta

When boiling your pasta, cook it to a firm al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook and absorb sauce in the oven. Slightly undercooked pasta will prevent it from becoming mushy in the final bake.

Cheese, Please!

While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar to add a different flavor dimension. A little extra Parmesan mixed in always enhances the savory depth.

Storage Information

Leftovers of this delightful chicken pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until bubbly, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.

And there you have it – your new go-to recipe for an incredibly easy, undeniably delicious chicken pasta bake! Whether you're feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, this dish hits all the right notes. Don't forget to share your creations with us, and let us know how much you loved this ultimate comfort food! Happy cooking!