If you’re looking for a cozy, irresistible dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender chunks of chicken wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. Baked to bubbling, golden perfection, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas and delivers a plateful of gooey, savory delight every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness. The combination is simple yet magical, ensuring your dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of wholesome goodness.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or ziti): The perfect shape to hold onto all that delicious sauce and cheese in every mouthful.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: Adds hearty protein and a tender texture that complements the creamy base.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings a luscious, velvety richness to bind the pasta and chicken together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds smoothness and a beautiful silkiness that makes this bake so indulgent.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: The quintessential gooey cheese that melts beautifully across the top.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharpness and depth to balance the creaminess perfectly.
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, savory kick that elevates the cheesy layers.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides a gentle punch of flavor that enhances every ingredient.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic with a subtle sweetness and aromatic warmth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to bring out the full flavor of each component.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh, green pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which will make sure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken with softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Add in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture that evenly coats every piece of pasta and chicken.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture Evenly
Transfer this creamy concoction to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating the perfect canvas for your cheese toppings.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Layers
Layer the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top, which will add a delightful crust and intensified flavors as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake your pasta bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing all the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden brown masterpiece. This step ensures that every bite is delectably rich and full of comforting warmth.
Step 6: Finish with a Crispy Broil and Garnish
If you love a crunchy, golden crust, switch your oven to broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. Let your bake rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to set up nicely before garnishing with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for color; it adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake Recipe. For an extra touch, try a light drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add exciting bursts of heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake stands on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. These sides add fresh textures and flavors that balance the creaminess perfectly, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or potlucks, serve the bake directly in the baking dish to showcase its golden cheese crust. Alternatively, portion into individual ramekins for a charming single-serving presentation that adds an extra layer of warmth and hospitality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake Recipe cools completely, store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well sealed helps preserve the flavors and moisture, so every reheated bite tastes fresh.
Freezing
This pasta bake freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet, or cool a baked portion and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. This makes for a perfect make-ahead meal on busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen pasta bake overnight in the fridge. Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Remove the cover at the end if you want to crisp up the cheesy top once more.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or ziti work best because they hold onto sauce well, other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli will work nicely too. Avoid very thin pasta like spaghetti as it won’t hold the creamy sauce as effectively.
Is it necessary to use cooked chicken for the bake?
Yes, the chicken should be fully cooked before mixing it into the bake. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or cook chicken breasts or thighs ahead of time, then shred or chop them.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the bake might not be quite as rich and creamy. For the best indulgent flavor and texture, heavy cream is recommended.
What can I add if I want some veggies in the bake?
Great question! You can stir in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to the creamy pasta mixture before baking. Just make sure veggies are pre-cooked or sautéed to prevent excess moisture making the bake watery.
How do I make sure the cheese topping gets bubbly and golden?
Baking uncovered is crucial for melting and browning the cheese beautifully. Broiling for the last 2 to 3 minutes gives an extra crispy, golden finish—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a comfort food champion—rich, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and pasta that satisfy every craving. It’s a perfect dish to feed a crowd or cozy up for a family dinner. Give it a try and let yourself fall in love with how simple ingredients come together into something so spectacularly delicious.
Print
Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Chicken in Blankets Pasta Bake featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Perfect for family dinners, this baked pasta dish combines penne pasta, cream cheese, heavy cream, and a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and onion powder for rich flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz pasta (penne or ziti), cooked al dente
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
Dairy and Cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the pasta bake from sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and creamy.
- Transfer mixture: Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a uniform layer.
- Add cheese topping: Layer shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan cheese evenly on top of the pasta mixture for a rich and flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Broil for crispiness: For an extra crispy and browned cheese topping, broil the pasta bake for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use a mix of cheeses to enhance flavor and texture.
- Broiling is optional but adds a desirable crispy topping.
