Description
A creamy, cheesy chicken pasta bake with golden-brown topping. Tender chicken, pasta, and a luscious sauce combine for a comforting one-dish meal perfect for families or gatherings.
Ingredients
1 pound (16 oz) pasta, penne, rotini, or macaroni
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
4 oz softened cream cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour to form a roux
Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens
Add cream cheese and stir until melted
Mix in cooked chicken, garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper
Fold in 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish
Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option
Add frozen peas or spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables
Make ahead: Combine ingredients before baking, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and bake when ready
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 180mg