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    Home » Recipes » Dinner » Pasta

    Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

    Published: Oct 13, 2022 · Updated: Feb 16, 2023 by Neil 20 Comments

    30 shares
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    Jump to Recipe

    This easy creamy chicken pasta bake is made with no actual cream but still tastes all creamy and cheesy. Comfort food all the family will love!

    Easy creamy chicken pasta bake in a large red casserole dish with serving spoon to the left. Bowl of sweetcorn and broccoli in the background along with salt and pepper cellars.

    Yes you read that correctly. This easy creamy chicken pasta bake is made with no actual cream. Just a tomato and creamy cheese based sauce!

    We love pasta bakes in our household, they're cheap and easy recipes to make.

    Judging by the numbers of views on a similar recipes, like the chicken and chorizo pasta bake, so do you folks!

    So today here's a delicious new recipe for you to add to your list of pasta recipes.

    This one is nice and filling and the creamy cheese sauce means it's great for those picky eaters!

    Birds eye view of a plate of creamy chicken pasta bake with a fork to the side. Bowl of broccoli and a bowl of sweetcorn above.

    This easy creamy chicken pasta bake is low in calories at just 288 calories per serving.

    It's also low in fat. You could serve it with some simple vegetables like broccoli and sweetcorn as I have, or a simple tossed salad. Or even just some crusty bread.

    It's the perfect comfort food when you're craving carbs but still want to have something reasonably healthy.

    The tomato pasta sauce tastes amazing. The mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese making a wonderful cream sauce.

    If you want you could spice the sauce up a little by adding a little chilli powder.

    This is definately a pasta dish that the whole family will enjoy!

    And if you enjoyed this then why not check out my other chicken and pasta delicious recipes below!

    Chicken pasta bake served on a plate with a fork to the left hand side. Bowls of broccoli and sweetcorn with serving spoons in, in the background along with salt and pepper cellars.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Equipment
    • FAQ's
    • Other Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipes For You To Try
    • 📋 Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
    • Nutrition Label
    • Rate The Recipe

    Ingredients

    Easy creamy chicken pasta bake ingredients laid out on a table.
    • Penne Pasta
    • Olive Oil
    • Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Fillets
    • Onion
    • Red Pepper
    • Skimmed Milk
    • Plain Flour
    • Tomato Passata
    • Low Fat Cream Cheese
    • Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper
    • Low Fat Grated Cheddar Cheese
    • Grated Mozzarella
    • Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish)

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make this creamy chicken pasta bake recipe:

    Saucepan of cooked penne pasta.

    Steps 1 & 2

    • Pre-heat oven to 180C Fan.
    • Cook pasta until al dente.
    Cubes of chicken cooked in a large saucepan.

    Step 3

    • Whilst pasta cooks, cook chunks of chicken in olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat until no longer pink inside.
    Chunks of chicken in large red casserole dish.

    Step 3 cont

    • Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken to a casserole dish.
    Onion and red pepper sauteed in a large saucepan.

    Step 4

    • Sauté onion and pepper in remaining olive oil.
    Onion and pepper added in with cooked chicken in casserole dish.

    Step 4 cont

    • Mix cooked onion and pepper in with cooked chicken.
    Passata and cream cheese sauce being stirred in a medium sized saucepan. Salt and pepper cellars to the rear.

    Step 5

    • Make a white sauce then stir in the passata and cream cheese to create the creamy sauce. Season to taste.
    Drained pasta added to casserole dish with onion, pepper and chicken.

    Step 6

    • Drain pasta, add to the casserole dish, mix well.
    Pre-baking creamy chicken pasta bake sprinkled with cheddar cheese, mozzarella and parsley.

    Step 6 cont

    • Add the sauce. Top with cheddar cheese, mozzarella and parsley.
    Baked easy creamy chicken pasta bake removed from oven.

    Step 6 cont

    • Place onto the middle shelf of your oven.
    • Bake until cheese has browned slightly and is bubbling.
    Easy creamy chicken pasta bake served on a plate. Rest of pasta bake in a casserole dish in the background.

    Substitutions

    • Penne Pasta - I use whole wheat pasta. If you can't get penne you could also use fusilli or rigatoni.
    • Olive Oil
    • Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Fillets - you could also use rotisserie chicken. This recipe is also a great way to use up any leftover chicken.
    • Onion
    • Red Pepper - use any kind of bell peppers.
    • Skimmed Milk - semi skimmed milk or whole milk is fine but will alter the nutritional label.
    • Plain Flour
    • Tomato Passata
    • Low Fat Cream Cheese - full fat is fine but will alter the nutritional label.
    • Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper
    • Low Fat Grated Cheddar Cheese - full fat is fine but will alter the nutritional label.
    • Grated Mozzarella - I use full fat here for it's added creaminess. Lower fat might not make as good a cheesy sauce.
    • Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish) - you could use other fresh herbs like coriander.

    Equipment

    For This Creamy Pasta Bake Recipe You May Need….

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product, I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through, then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    This is the large oven-proof baking dish I use.

    It's a great low cost but good quality baking and roasting dish.

    It's perfect for lasagne, side dishes and desserts. It's dishwasher, freezer and oven safe too.

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    FAQ's

    Can I Make It Ahead?

    Yes. Follow the steps above to step 6 prior to baking. Cover with foil and keep in fridge for up to one day. Remove from fridge and allow to return to room temperature prior to baking.

    Can I Freeze Chicken Pasta Bake?

    Yes. Once cooked allow it to cool completely first. You can freeze it whole or cut it into individual portions and store in airtight containers as I do.

    How To Reheat This Pasta Bake?

    Defrost in the fridge overnight. You can reheat in your oven or in your microwave.

    Other Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipes For You To Try

    📋 Chicken And Halloumi Pasta Bake
    Chicken and halloumi pasta bake is a perfect, filling delicious dinner. Easy to make this will soon become a family favourite!
    Check out this recipe
    Chicken and halloumi pasta bake removed from the oven and garnished with some chopped basil. Green salad in the background. Serving spoon to the right.
    Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Bake
    Honey mustard chicken pasta bake is a delicious and easy to make family dinner. This 30-minute meal is perfect comfort food for busy weeknights!
    Check out this recipe
    Birds eye view of a cooked casserole dish of honey mustard chicken pasta bake with a serving spoon on top. With green beans and sweetcorn in a side dish.
    The Best Chicken and Sweetcorn Pasta Bake
    The best chicken and sweetcorn pasta bake is simply that. An easy, delicious and satisfying chicken pasta bake that all the family will love!
    Check out this recipe
    The best chicken and sweetcorn pasta bake served on a white plate with a side of peas beside and salt and pepper shaker behind.
    Chicken Broccoli Stilton Pasta Bake
    A delicious family chicken broccoli stilton pasta bake. Lots of taste, lots of flavour.
    Check out this recipe
    Chicken Broccoli Stilton Pasta Bake Featured Image
    Easy creamy chicken pasta bake in a large red casserole dish with serving spoon to the left. Bowl of sweetcorn and broccoli in the background along with salt and pepper cellars.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    5 from 10 votes

    📋 Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

    This easy creamy chicken pasta bake is made with no actual cream but still tastes all creamy and cheesy. Comfort food all the family will love!
    Prep Time30 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: American, International, Italian
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 288kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • Stoneware serving dish
    • Saucepans
    • Kitchen scale
    • Chopping board
    • Kitchen knives
    • Wooden spoon
    • Measuring spoons
    • Grater
    • Measuring jug
    • Slotted spoon
    • Whisk

    Ingredients

    • 200 g penne pasta
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 500 g chicken breast fillets chopped into bite size pieces
    • 1 onion finely chopped
    • 1 red pepper diced
    • 300 ml skimmed milk
    • 2 tablespoon flour
    • 300 g passata
    • 75 g low fat cream cheese
    • Freshly ground salt and pepper
    • 75 g low fat grated cheddar cheese
    • 25 g grated mozzarella
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 180C Fan.
    • Bring a pan of salted water to the boil, stir in the pasta, and return to the boil. Turn down to simmer for 8 minutes. Set aside.
    • Whilst the pasta is cooking, in a large non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, add the chicken and cook until chicken is no longer pink inside, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken to a casserole dish.
    • Add the remaining olive oil. Heat gently, add the onion and pepper and sauté for 4 -5 minutes until softened then add to the casserole dish.
    • Add the milk and flour into a medium sized saucepan. Bring the mixture to the boil, then turn it down to simmer and whisk it thoroughly until you have a smooth and thickened white sauce. Then stir in the passata and cream cheese. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce is thickened and creamy. Season to taste.
    • Drain pasta, add to the casserole dish with the sauce and mix well. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese, mozzarella and parsley and place onto the middle shelf of your oven.
    • Bake for 10 - 15 minutes until the cheese has browned slightly and is bubbling.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Nutrition

    Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 481mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1098IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition Label

    Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

    Nutrition Facts
    📋 Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 288 Calories from Fat 90
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 10g15%
    Saturated Fat 4g25%
    Trans Fat 0.04g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Cholesterol 16mg5%
    Sodium 189mg8%
    Potassium 481mg14%
    Carbohydrates 38g13%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 8g9%
    Protein 13g26%
    Vitamin A 1098IU22%
    Vitamin C 33mg40%
    Calcium 186mg19%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Rate The Recipe

    If you’ve made this creamy chicken pasta bake recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

    Related

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. angiesrecipes

      October 13, 2022 at 4:23 am

      5 stars
      An ultimate comfort treat! I can't take my eyes off from that cheesy topping...simply mouthwatering!
      angiesrecipes

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 13, 2022 at 5:25 am

        Ha ha! Thanks Angie. Yep, I think that cheesy topping is a real winner. Well, it is in our house anyway!

        Reply
    2. Charlie DeSando

      October 13, 2022 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      When I saw the picture of broccoli and corn, I thought that was going in the recipe. I was happy to see they were merely on the side. Well done!

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 13, 2022 at 5:29 pm

        Thank you very much Charlie. You can pretty much choose your own sides with this recipe but I always like to picture the recipe with our favourites sides that we think go best with it!

        Reply
    3. Sherry M

      October 14, 2022 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      this sounds very comforting and delicious Neil. I don't eat pasta usually but this looks like such a hearty and tasty meal.

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 14, 2022 at 10:03 am

        Thanks Sherry! It's definitely and hearty tasty meal. If I'm making something with pasta, it'll like be something like this!

        Reply
    4. Ron

      October 14, 2022 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for a great lower-fat pasta bake recipe. Looks very tasty and fits right in with the weather we have coming.

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 14, 2022 at 4:40 pm

        Comford foods are IN for us at the moment. Thanks Ron!

        Reply
    5. David @ Spiced

      October 14, 2022 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, great job creating a creamy pasta bake that isn't too bad on the calories side! Cream cheese is a secret ingredient when it comes to creamy pastas, and I absolutely love the sound of this one. It's the kind of comfort food dish that I want to curl up with on a cold winter night!

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 14, 2022 at 4:41 pm

        I think we're getting quite close to cold winters nights here David. Although I haven't touched that heating dial yet, it's long sleeved tops and jumpers all the way.

        Reply
    6. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

      October 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      I love baked pasta, and chicken is one of my favorite proteins, so ... yes!

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 14, 2022 at 4:43 pm

        Thanks Jeff!

        Reply
    7. Michelle

      October 14, 2022 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      A baked pasta is always good any time! Love how creamy this one is -- great idea using cream cheese!

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 14, 2022 at 4:44 pm

        To be honest Michelle, I can't remember the last time I used actual cream (except in my cheesecake's!). It's always cream cheese for us, even if I'm doing someone else's recipe and the recipe calls for cream, I'll still substitute it with cream cheese. Thanks for your comment!

        Reply
    8. Chef Mimi

      October 14, 2022 at 10:41 pm

      5 stars
      This looks wonderful! Although I could lose a few pounds, I’d just go ahead and use cream!!!

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 15, 2022 at 2:21 pm

        Quite right Mimi. Feel free to use cream if you want to. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    9. velva

      October 16, 2022 at 12:01 am

      5 stars
      This looks delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Love it. Thanks for sharing it with us.

      Velva

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 16, 2022 at 8:23 am

        You've welcome Velva! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

        Reply
    10. Raymund | angsarap.net

      October 19, 2022 at 11:55 pm

      5 stars
      They do look creamy indeed, this is my type of pasta

      Reply
      • Neil

        October 20, 2022 at 6:02 am

        Thank you Raymund. Everyone seems to be loving my cheap and cheerful easy to make pasta meals at the moment.

        Reply

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