This baked chicken mozzarella pasta is a cozy dish everyone loves! It has tender chicken, cheesy mozzarella, and delicious pasta all baked together for a warm, comforting meal.
Honestly, what’s not to love about melting cheese and chicken? I often make extra to enjoy leftovers the next day—it’s just as tasty cold! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its fun shape that holds sauce really well. But you can swap it for any other spiral pasta or even penne, which is great for baked dishes too.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for speed. You could also use leftover chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch!
Marinara Sauce: Homemade sauce tastes amazing, but store-bought is super convenient. If you’re looking for a twist, try Alfredo sauce for a creamy version!
Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in provolone or Monterey Jack for different flavors. For a stronger taste, add some crumbled feta or goat cheese.
Italian Seasoning: If you’re out, combine equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme for a delicious substitute.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Doesn’t Get Mushy?
Preventing mushy pasta is key for a great baked dish. Here’s how to cook it just right:
- Cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. Remember, it’ll cook more in the oven!
- Drain the pasta and don’t rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce stick.
- Mix the pasta with your sauce and chicken while it’s still warm. This allows it to absorb flavor without sitting too long in the oven.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; you don’t want to overcook it. 20-25 minutes should do it!
Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked chicken mozzarella pasta takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 40 minutes. You’ll have a delightful meal ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—just a little firm. Once done, drain it and set aside. No rinsing, please! We want that starch!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Warm the Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if you like a bit of spice. Stir everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
5. Combine with Marinara:
Now, stir in the marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything well, letting it warm through for an extra 2-3 minutes.
6. Mix in the Pasta:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken-marinara mixture. Give it a good stir until the pasta is fully coated with that delicious sauce.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour your pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Don’t forget to evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top—the more cheese, the better!
8. Bake Away:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just lightly golden on top. Such a great sight!
9. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will help everything settle a bit before you serve it up.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Now, dive into your cozy baked chicken mozzarella pasta and enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can swap rotini for any other spiral pasta like fusilli or penne. Just ensure it’s a pasta that will hold sauce well!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you don’t have chicken on hand, feel free to use cooked turkey, sausage, or even plant-based proteins like shredded tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it for a few extra minutes when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quick enjoyment!