Looking for the ultimate comfort food weeknight dinner? This Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Bake is the kind of cheesy, bubbling dish that brings everyone running to the table. Imagine tender pasta baked in a luscious cream and marinara sauce, layered with juicy chicken, melty mozzarella, and Parmesan for that irresistible golden top. It’s cozy, hearty, and exactly what you want when you’re craving a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just want delicious leftovers for the week, this chicken mozzarella pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients, comes together in under an hour, and is easy enough for a weeknight while still impressive enough for guests. If you love cheesy recipes and hearty chicken pasta bakes, this will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Cheesy & Creamy: Loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan for ultimate comfort.
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Easy Weeknight Dinner: Ready in under an hour with simple steps.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both love this cheesy pasta bake.
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Customizable: Use any pasta shape or add your favorite veggies.
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Meal-Prep Friendly: Makes a big batch and reheats beautifully.
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Perfect for Gatherings: Great as a main dish for potlucks, family dinners, or parties.
Ingredient Breakdown
Penne Pasta: Penne holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, but you can use rigatoni, rotini, or ziti.
Chicken Breasts: Cooked and cubed chicken adds lean protein and hearty bite. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a rich base flavor.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Enhances the flavor and gives that irresistible Italian aroma.
Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy, luscious texture of the sauce.
Marinara Sauce: Balances the richness with tangy tomato flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stringy cheese pull.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty sharpness and helps brown the top.
Dried Basil & Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the dish with savory flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a pop of freshness and color at the end.
Pro Tips
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Undercook Pasta Slightly: Boil just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
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Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly.
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Season in Layers: Taste the sauce before mixing with pasta to adjust seasoning.
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Rest Before Serving: Let the baked pasta sit for 5 minutes before scooping—this helps everything set.
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Bake Uncovered: Allows the top layer of cheese to get golden and bubbly.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Protein Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, ground chicken, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage.
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Veggie Additions: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be sautéed with the onion for extra nutrition.
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Cheese Variations: Try provolone, fontina, or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor profile.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check marinara and cheeses for GF certification.
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Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken mozzarella pasta bake is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with sides:
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A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing.
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Garlic bread or focaccia for soaking up extra sauce.
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Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for balance.
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A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for the perfect pairing.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: Assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.
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Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the pasta bake, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
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Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave single portions until hot.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Baked pasta dishes like this have their roots in Italian-American cooking, where families adapted traditional pasta recipes into hearty casseroles perfect for feeding a crowd. The combination of cream and tomato sauce, often called a “rosa” or pink sauce, is beloved for its balanced flavor—rich but still bright. Adding chicken makes it an all-in-one meal that has become a classic in weeknight kitchens across the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
Q: Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the dish without baking, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes, assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: What pasta shapes work best?
A: Penne, rigatoni, ziti, or rotini all work well because they hold onto the creamy sauce.
Q: Can I lighten this recipe?
A: You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter version.
Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and marinara sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring until well coated. Remove from heat.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken mixture. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and serve warm.