Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake while experimenting with different Italian dishes for family gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures was a hit, and I perfected it over time. Now, it's a staple in my home, and everyone loves it! It's easy to make and always impresses guests."

With over a decade of experience in Italian cuisine, I've mastered a variety of pasta dishes and comfort foods. My passion for cooking drives me to create recipes that are not only tasty but also easy to follow. I enjoy sharing my love for food through my culinary creations.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake served on a plate

Why This Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Works

This Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake is special because it combines the rich flavors of grilled chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly complements the pasta. It's a one-dish meal that's both filling and satisfying, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

The technique of baking the pasta allows the flavors to meld together, while the cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust that adds texture. Using high-quality ingredients elevates this dish, ensuring each bite is delicious.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian seasoning and lemon juice before grilling. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Additionally, using fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Simply assemble the pasta bake, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative, adjusting the amount of cheese accordingly to maintain the creaminess.

The pasta bake is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top. You can also insert a knife into the center; if it comes out hot, the dish is ready to serve.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pasta bake before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli for added nutrition.

If stored properly in an airtight container, Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to ensure it's heated all the way through.

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to bake it. This makes it a great option for meal prep!

To reheat, place the pasta bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can cover it with foil to prevent the top from browning too much while reheating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your pasta bake turns out dry, it may be due to insufficient sauce or overcooking.

Solution: To remedy this, add a bit more sauce or cream before baking or serve with a side of marinara sauce. Make sure to check the baking time to avoid overcooking in the future.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the topping of your pasta bake isn't crispy, it may be due to insufficient baking time or low oven temperature.

Solution: To achieve a crispy top, ensure your oven is preheated and consider broiling the dish for a few minutes at the end of baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked pasta bake can become mushy and dry.

Prevention: To prevent this, always follow the recommended cooking times and check for doneness a few minutes early. Use al dente pasta to help it hold up during baking.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of your pasta bake is undercooked, it may not have heated through properly.

Recovery: To recover, cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally until the center is hot.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt top can occur if the oven temperature is too high or if it's positioned too close to the heating element.

Prevention: To prevent this, keep the baking dish in the center of the oven and monitor the dish closely towards the end of the cooking time. You can also cover it with foil if the top is browning too quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, balance it with a bit of acidity, such as adding fresh lemon juice or more marinara sauce.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, add a small amount of sugar or serve it with a side that is not salty to balance it out.

Bland: If the pasta bake is bland, enhance it with salt, pepper, or additional herbs and spices to elevate the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake

The key ingredients for this Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake include grilled chicken, pasta, a rich sauce, and plenty of cheese. Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the dish, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best outcome. Look for fresh chicken, high-quality pasta, and freshly grated cheese to enhance the flavors and elevate this comfort food classic.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Grilled Chicken: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken before grilling. This adds depth and keeps it juicy. You can use your favorite marinade or a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
  • Pasta: Opt for a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or rigatoni. Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook while baking.
  • Cheese: Using a combination of cheeses adds complexity to the flavor. Mozzarella for meltiness, and Parmesan for a sharp kick works beautifully in this dish.
Cooking process for Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking method involves layering the pasta, chicken, and sauce, followed by baking until golden and bubbly. This technique not only melds the flavors but also creates a wonderful texture.

To achieve perfect results, ensure all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed in the baking dish. Pay close attention to the baking time for a beautifully cooked dish.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake

The key technique for this recipe is ensuring the right balance of sauce and cheese. Too little sauce can lead to dryness, while too much can make it soupy. Finding the perfect ratio will result in a beautifully baked pasta dish.

Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
    Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
    Dried
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
    Optional
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 12 oz penne pasta
    Uncooked
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For creaminess
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    For topping
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For flavor
  • 1 cup spinach
    Chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    For seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pasta

    Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Mix Chicken and Sauce

    In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  3. Combine Ingredients

    Add the cooked pasta, chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken mixture and stir until evenly combined.

  4. Prepare Baking Dish

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.

  5. Assemble the Bake

    Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

  6. Add Topping

    Sprinkle breadcrumbs and chopped parsley over the cheese layer for added crunch.

  7. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. Serve

    Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. When reheating, make sure it's heated through to the center.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Grilled Chicken Pasta Bake hot, garnished with fresh herbs. Pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use different meats, such as Italian sausage or turkey, to change up the flavor profile.