Chef Mitchell preparing Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this creamy cheesy pasta bake during a family get-together and fell in love with its rich flavors. Over the years, I've perfected the recipe, adapting it to create the ultimate comfort food. Now, it's a staple in my home, where it's always a hit with friends and family alike. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!"

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell has created thousands of dinner recipes. His passion for comfort foods shines through in every dish, making him a beloved chef for family meals and gatherings. He believes that the best recipes are those that bring people together.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake served on a plate

Why This Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe Works

This recipe combines a rich, creamy cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting dish that pleases all palates. The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a cheesy, gooey texture, while the chicken adds protein and heartiness. It's simple yet indulgent, making it a great choice for any dinner occasion.

Using heavy cream and chicken broth enhances the flavor and creaminess of the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with taste. The addition of breadcrumbs on top gives a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy texture underneath. This balance of flavors and textures is what makes this pasta bake a family favorite.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure not to overcook the pasta before adding it to the sauce. It should be slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Additionally, using freshly grated cheese will help achieve a smoother and creamier sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the creamy cheesy pasta bake ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to serve, just pop it into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.

If you want to make a vegetarian version of this creamy cheesy pasta bake, you can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. For added protein, consider using chickpeas or beans. The cheese sauce will still provide that delightful creamy texture everyone loves.

Your creamy cheesy pasta bake is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also insert a knife in the center; if it comes out hot to the touch and the cheese is melted, it’s ready to serve. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set.

Yes, you can freeze the creamy cheesy pasta bake before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the wrap and bake for an hour at 350°F (175°C), or until heated through.

This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or breadsticks make a great side to complement the creamy flavors. You could also serve it with a light soup for a comforting dinner.

Leftover creamy cheesy pasta bake will last in the fridge for about 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain its quality. Reheat gently to enjoy it again.

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it has been chilled.

The best way to reheat your creamy cheesy pasta bake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating, but be aware that it may lose some of its texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your pasta bake comes out dry, it might be due to overcooking or not enough sauce.

Solution: To fix this, ensure you have enough sauce on the pasta and consider adding a bit more cream or broth next time. Covering the dish while baking can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the top isn't crispy, it could be due to not enough breadcrumbs or not baking it long enough.

Solution: For a crispier topping, increase the amount of breadcrumbs and broil for the last few minutes of baking if necessary. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked pasta bake may result in a mushy texture.

Prevention: To prevent this, ensure you cook the pasta al dente before mixing it with the sauce, and watch the baking time closely.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the pasta bake is undercooked, it may be due to uneven heating.

Recovery: To recover, cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven, baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior might occur if the oven temperature is too high.

Prevention: To prevent this, bake at the recommended temperature and consider lowering it if you notice it browning too quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice or more cheese to enhance the savory flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, adding a little more cream or broth can help balance it out.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, try adding more spices, herbs, or cheese to enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake

The key ingredients in this recipe include pasta, a mixture of cheeses, and a creamy sauce. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the comforting flavors and textures we love. Quality pasta paired with freshly grated cheese will elevate the dish significantly.

Additionally, using heavy cream and homemade or low-sodium chicken broth ensures a rich flavor without excess sodium. Fresh ingredients yield the best results, making this dish not just tasty but also a wholesome option for family meals.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Pasta: For the best texture, opt for a sturdy pasta like penne or rotini that holds sauce well. Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before baking.
  • Cheese: Using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a delightful meltiness and flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the creaminess will be reduced.
Cooking process for Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for creamy cheesy pasta bake involves straightforward steps that yield delicious results. Starting with boiling the pasta, moving on to creating a rich cheese sauce, and finally combining everything in a baking dish makes this recipe accessible for all skill levels.

To achieve the perfect creamy texture, ensure that the cheese is fully melted before mixing it with the pasta. Baking the dish until bubbly brings everything together and enhances the flavors beautifully.

Key Technique for Perfect Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake

The key to a perfect creamy cheesy pasta bake is in the cheese sauce. Make sure to add the cheeses gradually, allowing them to melt completely into the cream before combining with the pasta. This will ensure a smooth, creamy consistency that coats every piece of pasta evenly.

Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For creaminess
  • 1 cup chicken broth
    For flavor
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb penne pasta
    Preferred pasta shape
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    For cheesiness
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For flavor
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
    For protein
  • 1 medium onion, diced
    For flavor
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    For flavor
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    For topping
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
    For garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta

    Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Sauce

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.

  3. Add Cheeses

    Lower the heat and mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.

  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce, mixing until fully coated.

  5. Prepare Baking Dish

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  6. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and parsley on top.

  7. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

  8. Serve

    Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy cheesy pasta bake!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store your creamy cheesy pasta bake, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. If freezing, wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the creamy cheesy pasta bake with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. This combination not only enhances the meal but also balances the richness of the dish.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or use a combination of meats for added flavor.