Dump-and-Bake Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake – an easy one-pan dinner with tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and rich creamy sauce. No boiling required—just mix, bake, and enjoy this quick comfort food recipe!
1 ½ lbs. raw chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Optional garnish: Fresh chopped herbs (such as parsley)
If you want better flavor, you can add:
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Instructions:
Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix Ingredients: In the prepared dish (or a separate large bowl), combine uncooked pasta, chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and diced chicken. For extra flavor, consider adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to ensure no moisture escapes as the pasta cooks. Bake for 30 minutes.
Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will still be firm, and there may be some liquid left—this is normal! If the mixture looks too thick, stir in a splash of milk before adding the cheese. Top with cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, the top is browned, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs (optional) and serve hot!
Notes:
Cooking Time Variations: The cooking time may differ based on your choice of pan, pasta brand, and oven type. Glass or ceramic dishes will take longer than metal pans. To check if the casserole is done, taste a piece of pasta—it should be tender, and the creamy sauce should be mostly absorbed.
Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it may become too soft or mushy.
Flavor Enhancements: Boost the flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, or a pinch of paprika. For a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also mix in cooked vegetables like mushrooms or peas for extra texture and flavor.