Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful and hearty dish that takes family-friendly meals to the next level. Inspired by a beloved recipe from my mother-in-law, Rosalie, this casserole features tender cubes of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. Perfect for those picky eaters, it offers a delicious way to sneak in some veggies! Not only is this meal ready in no time, but it also freezes beautifully for a convenient make-ahead option. Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish any night of the week or save it for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying dinner.
N/A
Servings
425
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked chicken
2 cups (cubed)
Pasta
2 cups (uncooked (elbows, shells, etc.))
Celery
1 cup (chopped)
Milk
2 cups (none)
Cream of mushroom soup
2 cans (none)
Cheddar cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
Mixed vegetables
1-2 cans (drained)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked pasta, chopped celery, milk, and both cans of cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well mixed.
2
Transfer the mixture into a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
Before baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Stir in the drained mixed vegetables and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well to incorporate.
5
Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the pasta is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
6
For Make-Ahead Cooking (OAMC): Prepare the casserole as instructed and distribute it into 1 or 2 labeled ziplock bags for freezing. Seal and freeze.
7
The night before you plan to cook, take one ziplock out of the freezer and defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. Pour the contents into an appropriate baking dish, add drained mixed vegetables and cheese, and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
39g
Carbs
29g
Protein
3.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty and family-friendly casserole featuring chicken, pasta, and vegetables in a creamy sauce.
Who inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a beloved version from the author's mother-in-law, Rosalie.
What type of pasta should I use?
Small pasta shapes like elbows or shells are recommended for this bake.
Do I need to boil the pasta before adding it to the dish?
No, the pasta is added to the mixture uncooked.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked and cubed chicken.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient option for the cooked chicken component.
What provides the creamy base for the sauce?
The sauce is made using two cans of cream of mushroom soup and two cups of milk.
Why should I refrigerate the mixture overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and helps the uncooked pasta begin to hydrate.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The dish should bake uncovered for approximately 1 hour.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the instructions specify to bake the casserole uncovered.
When do I add the mixed vegetables?
The drained mixed vegetables are stirred in after the overnight refrigeration, just before baking.
When should the cheddar cheese be added?
The shredded cheddar cheese is mixed into the casserole just before it goes into the oven.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead freezer meal option.
How do I prepare this as a freezer meal?
Combine the initial ingredients and store them in labeled ziplock bags in the freezer.
How should I thaw the frozen pasta bake?
Defrost the frozen ziplock bag in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to bake it.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 425 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this meal?
Each serving contains about 29 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
The fat content is approximately 17.5 grams per serving.
Does this recipe contain dietary fiber?
Yes, there are 3.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What kind of vegetables can I use?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 cans of drained mixed vegetables.
How much celery is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 cup of chopped celery.
How many cans of cream of mushroom soup are used?
The recipe requires two cans of cream of mushroom soup.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
Is this dish considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly comfort food that is great for picky eaters.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of milk.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
While cheddar is specified, you can use other melting cheeses depending on your preference.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is classified as a convenient one-dish meal.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 39 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The casserole is done when the pasta is cooked through and the top is bubbly and golden.