Chicken and Pasta Casserole: Quick and Easy Dinner Recipe
This creamy chicken pasta combines all the best flavors and textures into one satisfying bite and is the perfect easy weeknight dinner!
When I make this pasta casserole, I usually double the recipe. Additionally, I serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s one of those creamy chicken casserole recipes that everyone loves.
Another thing to note is that you do not need to use bow tie pasta. Instead, use any pasta of your choice. Just make sure to boil it only until al dente, and drain it a minute or so before the package directions indicate. This allows the pasta to soak in all of those wonderful flavors.
Creating this Chicken Bowtie Pasta Casserole is simple.
Here are the Ingredients You’ll Need:
8 oz. bowtie noodles, cooked al dente (Farfalle Pasta)
8 oz. block cream cheese
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup chicken broth
8 oz. pasta sauce
4 T butter, divided
2 T minced garlic
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 cups colby jack cheese, divided
3 T parmesan cheese (shaved or grated is fine)
1 cup mozzarella cheese
How to Make This Recipe:
Lay the cooked bowtie pasta pieces in the bottom of a greased 9×13 glass baking dish pan
Make an empty spot in the middle of the bowtie noodles
Place the block of cream cheese in the middle of the bowtie noodles
Layer shredded chicken on top of noodles and cream cheese
Pour chicken broth onto noodles, chicken and cream cheese mixture
Pour pasta sauce on top of layers
Cut butter into multiple smaller tabs and place on top of prepared casserole
Drop minced garlic in small increments around casserole
Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder and one cup of the colby jack cheese on to casserole
Stir mixture (going around the cream cheese) and sprinkle remaining one cup of colby jack cheese on top of casserole
Top with parmesan cheese
Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees
Once heated through give it a good stir to mix all of the flavors around
Add mozzarella cheese to the top of the prepared casserole, broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes
Notes:
For added flavor, season the chicken with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Substitute penne or another pasta dish if bowtie pasta isn’t available.
Adding a touch of fresh basil and parsley enhances the flavor profile of this creamy bowtie pasta recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Fresh Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken bowtie pasta is a great way to save time. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it in place of the fresh chicken.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
First, you can use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. Otherwise, this recipe uses fairly healthy ingredients.
Additionally, you can consider making portions smaller and serving a vegetable or side salad alongside the pasta dish.
Make-Ahead Option:
To make this creamy chicken dinner ahead, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed to heat through.
Storage Recommendations:
For storing this casserole, place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
This chicken and pasta casserole also freezes well. You can store the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Chicken Bowtie Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz. bowtie noodles cooked al dente (Farfalle Pasta)
- 8 oz. block cream cheese
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz. pasta sauce
- 4 T butter divided
- 2 T minced garlic
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups colby jack cheese divided
- 3 T parmesan cheese shaved or grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Lay the cooked bowtie pasta pieces in the bottom of a greased 9x13 glass baking dish
- Make an empty spot in the middle of the bowtie noodles
- Place the block of cream cheese in the middle of the bowtie noodles
- Layer shredded chicken on top of noodles and cream cheese
- Pour chicken broth onto noodles, chicken and cream cheese mixture
- Pour pasta sauce on top of layers
- Cut butter into multiple smaller tabs and place on top of prepared casserole
- Drop minced garlic in small increments around casserole
- Sprinkle onion powder on to casserole
- Sprinkle garlic powder onto casserole
- Sprinkle one cup of colby jack cheese onto casserole
- Stir mixture (going around the cream cheese) and sprinkle remaining one cup of colby jack cheese on top of casserole
- Top with parmesan cheese
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees
- Once heated through give it a good stir to mix all of the flavors around
- Add mozzarella cheese to the top of the prepared casserole
- Broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes
Notes
- For added flavor, season the chicken with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Substitute penne or another pasta dish if bowtie pasta isn’t available.
- Adding a touch of fresh basil and parsley enhances the flavor profile of this creamy bowtie pasta recipe.
You might also enjoy this pizza pasta bake that my family also loves!