Description

Creamy Basil-Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich, oven-baked casserole loaded with tender chicken, pasta, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a velvety cream sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this easy chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. With fresh herbs and bright tomato flavor, this creamy baked pasta delivers the perfect balance of hearty and fresh.

Ingredients

12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, diced (boneless skinless breasts or rotisserie)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved) or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Additions:

1 cup fresh spinach
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup ricotta cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in chopped fresh basil and spinach (if using) until wilted.
Combine:
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, diced chicken, and creamy tomato sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble:
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy while baking.Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating if needed.Ricotta adds extra creaminess when stirred into the pasta mixture.For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.