Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta just to al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to skillet, cook 30 seconds. Add veggies and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over veggies, stir for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir in half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and veggie sauce. Transfer to baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook pasta before baking.
- Use fresh or well-drained frozen vegetables.
- Chill leftovers quickly and store in airtight containers.
Variations
- Swap cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach.
- Use ground turkey, rotisserie chicken, or sausage.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken breast → cooked turkey or thighs
- Heavy cream → half-and-half or Greek yogurt
- Pasta → whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in airtight container.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Cover and bake at 350°F or microwave single servings with a splash of milk.
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbs: ~45g
- Protein: ~28g
FAQs
Can I make it ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to baking time if cold.
Can I use frozen veggies? Absolutely. Thaw and drain first.
Can I skip the baking step? Technically yes, but baking melds flavors and gives the cheese a perfect golden top.
Related Recipes
- Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
- Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake
- Veggie-Loaded Pasta Casserole
Conclusion
This Creamy Baked Chicken & Veggie Pasta Casserole is your new favorite comfort food. It’s cozy, easy, and totally satisfying. Make it once, and it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!
