Craving an easy, cheesy, and utterly comforting dinner idea that feels gourmet but takes less than an hour to make? This creamy baked chicken pasta blends tender bites of chicken, rich marinara, velvety cream, and stretchy melted cheese into one crave-worthy casserole. It’s a classic comfort food dish with a modern Italian twist—perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Packed with high-flavor ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella, this baked pasta is everything you love about hearty Italian cuisine, all in one bubbling, golden dish. Whether you’re planning cozy family dinners or looking for crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner recipes, this one’s guaranteed to be on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ultra-creamy, cheesy sauce with just one pan and one bake
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Perfect for busy nights or meal prep
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Kid-approved and family-friendly comfort food
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Made with pantry staples and minimal prep
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Great for potlucks or casual gatherings
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Customizable with vegetables, protein, or spice
Ingredient Breakdown
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Boneless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein, diced small for quick, even cooking.
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Penne Pasta: A sturdy pasta that holds up well in creamy baked dishes.
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Marinara Sauce: Brings acidity and tomato richness to balance the cream.
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Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious texture and depth to the sauce.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into that signature gooey, stretchy layer.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps brown the top.
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Fresh Spinach: Sneaks in some greens without overpowering the dish.
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Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken and boost the sauce’s flavor.
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Garlic: Builds aromatic depth with minimal effort.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives this dish a classic Italian profile.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavors.
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Fresh Basil (Optional): Adds a burst of brightness and aroma as garnish.
Pro Tips
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Cook pasta just shy of al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
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Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker shortcut.
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Shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded blends often include anti-caking agents.
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Let the sauce thicken slightly before adding the pasta so it bakes up creamy, not runny.
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Broil for a crispy cheese top—just 2–3 minutes under the broiler adds a golden finish.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Protein options: Swap chicken with cooked Italian sausage, turkey, or ground beef.
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Add veggies: Mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
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Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
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Use a different pasta: Fusilli, rigatoni, or rotini also work well.
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Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara and cream are GF-certified.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-style dinner.
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Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
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Add a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
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To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake covered at 350°F until warmed through.
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Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just stir it in when adding the marinara and cream.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- Sear the ChickenHeat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden and cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Remove from pan.
- Build the SauceIn the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in marinara sauce and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine IngredientsAdd spinach to the sauce, stirring until wilted. Mix in the cooked pasta and chicken, tossing until well coated.
- Assemble the BakeTransfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake & FinishBake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- ServeGarnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor, but frozen (thawed and drained) works too.
What’s the best cheese blend for baked pasta?
Mozzarella for melt, Parmesan for flavor, and a hint of provolone or Gruyère if you want a gourmet twist.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or divide into two 9×13 pans—perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage if you want heat.
How do I prevent the cheese from drying out?
Cover loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking if your oven runs hot, then uncover to finish.