Dinner

Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Bylilan Sage October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for using up leftover chicken. With tender pasta, smoky bacon, and a rich creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella, it’s a family-friendly meal sure to please.

A close-up of a white rectangular casserole dish filled with creamy baked pasta layers, mostly penne coated in melted yellowish cheese mixed with light brown cooked bacon pieces and garnished with green parsley leaves spread evenly on top. A woman's hand holding a gold spoon is lifting a portion of the creamy, cheesy pasta with visible bacon and parsley. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200 g leftover shredded chicken
250 g dried macaroni pasta
Pinch of fine salt
4 rashers smoked bacon, roughly chopped
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
300 ml pure cream
2 tsp salted butter
50 g fresh parmesan cheese
40 g shredded mozzarella

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C fan forced (355°F).
Step 2: Cook the pasta according to the packet directions with a pinch of salt, but stop cooking 1 minute earlier than recommended. Drain and return the pasta to the pot, then add 2 teaspoons of butter and stir gently to coat.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, fry the chopped bacon in a small non-stick frying pan over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crispy. Add crushed garlic and rosemary, fry for another minute, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Stir the bacon mixture into the pasta pot. Add the cream and grated parmesan, mixing well to coat everything evenly. Finally, add the shredded chicken and stir until fully combined.
Step 5: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Tips & Variations

Use penne or fusilli pasta instead of macaroni for a different texture.
Swap smoked bacon with pancetta or omit for a vegetarian-friendly version, adding extra garlic and herbs.
For added veggies, stir in some peas or spinach before baking.
Grate your own parmesan for better flavor and melt.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To prevent drying out when reheating, cover the dish loosely with foil.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with a creamy baked pasta. The bottom layer consists of slightly browned penne pasta mixed with melted cheese, creating a golden crust. On top, scattered pieces of cooked bacon add a reddish-brown contrast with a slight crisp texture. Fresh green parsley leaves are placed intermittently over the dish for a pop of color. A silver spoon, held by a woman's hand, lifts a serving from the dish, showing a thick, gooey mix of melted cheese, pasta, bacon, and parsley. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of leftover?

Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken before using it in this recipe. Poaching or roasting chicken breasts works well.

Is there a substitute for pure cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich and creamy.