Kitchen notes · a little help before you start

Chicken Pasta Bake

Name: Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 4 cups penne pasta, (uncooked) (Source: 3 to 4 cups penne pasta, (uncooked); upper source range endpoint used for shopping.); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Source: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese); 2 tablespoons butter (Source: 2 tablespoons butter); 0.5 cup milk, (add more if needed, for a creamier texture) (Source: ¼ to ½ cup milk, (add more if needed, for a creamier texture); upper source range endpoint used for shopping.); 4 tablespoons olive oil, (divided) (Source: 4 tablespoons olive oil, (divided)); As Needed salt (Source seasoning: salt and freshly ground black pepper, (to taste)); As Needed black pepper (Source seasoning: salt and freshly ground black pepper, (to taste)); 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (cut into cubes) (Source: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (cut into cubes)); 2 cups baby spinach (Source: 2 cups baby spinach); 3 cloves garlic, (minced) (Source: 3 cloves garlic, (minced)); 2 cups tomato sauce, (you can also use your favorite pasta sauce) (Source: 2 cups tomato sauce, (you can also use your favorite pasta sauce)); ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Source: ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese); ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (Source: ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese)

Chicken Pasta Bake is made with penne pasta, cheddar cheese, and milk.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 60 min
Original yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 13 listed

Make it part of your week

Estimating…

DinnerAmericanChickenPrep: 15 minutes or lessTotal: 31–60 minutes

Recipe categories & planning details

Meal type: Dinner
Primary protein: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Preparation & total time: Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 31–60 minutes

A few quick notes

1. Include the rest

Leave time for the resting step before continuing.

2. Preheat as directed

Have the oven at the specified temperature for its cooking step.

3. Stir as directed

Stay with the pan for the frequent stirring called for in the method.

Get to know the ingredients

penne pasta, (uncooked)

In the method: Cook pasta according to the directions on the box.

shredded cheddar cheese

In the method: Stir in cheese, butter, and 1/4 cup milk (add more milk if needed).

milk, (add more if needed, for a creamier texture)

In the method: Stir in cheese, butter, and 1/4 cup milk (add more milk if needed).

The last little job

Finish as directed

Let stand 5 to 8 minutes before serving.

A little more help as you go

Prepare the finishing addition

Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.

Return for the stirring

Stir occasionally as directed while the mixture cooks.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the oven, pot, baking dish, and skillet. Start with this step: Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Leave time for the resting step before continuing.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly.

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.

Additional recipe notes

Cheese: If possible, use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, meltier texture, as pre-grated versions contain anti-caking agents. You can also try the pasta with different cheeses like Pepper Jack, Monterrey Jack, or Gruyere. Milk: You can add more or less milk, depending on how creamy you’d like it to be. Also, you can use heavy cream, half & half, or even cream cheese (at room temperature) instead of milk. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta al dente – about 6 to 7 minutes – to avoid mushiness as it continues cooking in the oven. Resting Time: Allow the pasta bake to rest after baking for easier serving and better consistency. Watery Issues: A runny pasta bake could result from cold tomato sauce or partially cooked chicken; letting the pasta bake rest after baking can help with this issue. Seasoning Boost: Enhance the chicken’s flavor with your favorite seasonings before cooking it. Spice It Up: Add chilies or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Meat Sauce Option: Substitute tomato sauce with meat or bolognese sauce for a heartier meal. Veggie Additions: Sauté extra vegetables like sliced carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, or kale. Chicken Alternatives: Replace the chicken pieces with shredded chicken or use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Vegetarian Version: For a plant-based option, substitute chicken with oyster mushrooms, butternut squash, or broccolini. To Make Ahead and Freeze: Make the pasta bake, let it cool to room temperature, wrap it in plastic wrap plus a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to a month. Cook from frozen at 375ºF for an hour, or defrost overnight and bake for 45 minutes. Storing Leftovers: Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat as needed, adding a sprinkle of water to refresh the pasta.

Storage & reheating safety

For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.

These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures

Recipe source: diethood.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.

Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.

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