If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful dinner that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum satisfaction, look no further than this One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta baked together under a golden, melty cheese topping. This dish is pure home-cooked perfection, combining simple ingredients that come together to create a meal everyone will want seconds of—trust me, it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from creating that luscious creamy tomato sauce to adding texture and richness to every bite. These simple, everyday staples come together beautifully to deliver a dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing and adds silky texture to the sauce.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Plain flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Milk: Creates the creamy element of the sauce without heaviness.
- Tomato passata: Brings fresh, vibrant tomato flavor and beautiful color.
- Water or broth: Ensures the pasta cooks perfectly within the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor nuance.
- Dried ziti or penne pasta: Holds the sauce wonderfully and bakes up tender yet firm.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Adds protein and satisfying heartiness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce to boost creaminess and add a sharp tang.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a golden, bubbly topping when baked.
- Fresh basil leaves: Brightens the dish with herbal freshness, perfect for garnish.
- Freshly grated parmesan: Adds a nutty, savory finish atop the bake.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This step ensures your bake finishes perfectly golden and bubbly. It’s a simple start that sets the stage for the deliciousness ahead.
Step 2: Build Your Sauce Base
Melt butter in a deep fry pan or skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about five minutes. This gentle cooking releases their natural sweetness, forming the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for two minutes to cook off the raw taste, creating a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, making small circles in the pan, which helps the sauce thicken beautifully. Then add the tomato passata, water, salt, and pepper, raising the heat to medium-high. Cook for about five minutes until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, whisking more frequently toward the end to keep a velvety texture.
Step 4: Balance the Flavors
Give the sauce a taste test. If the tomato’s acidity feels a bit sharp, add one to two teaspoons of sugar to soften it. This small touch enhances the natural sweetness without overpowering the creamy tomato base.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese
Add dried ziti or penne, shredded cooked chicken, and the cheddar cheese directly into the pan. Mix everything thoroughly, then allow it to cook on the stove for about one minute to start melding the flavors. This step ensures every bit of pasta and chicken gets beautifully coated in that creamy, cheesy tomato sauce.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, then cover the pan with a lid or foil to trap steam and heat. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the cover and bake uncovered for another five minutes to develop a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Once out of the oven, let the bake rest for five minutes before serving—it allows everything to set just right.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing this dish with fresh basil leaves and a generous shave of freshly grated parmesan creates an irresistible aroma and bursts of fresh flavor. These garnishes brighten the rich, creamy tomato sauce and add layers of color and texture that make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables pairs beautifully, adding a refreshing crunch and balancing the richness of the bake. Garlic bread on the side is another classic choice, perfect for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta bake straight from the oven in a rustic casserole dish for comfort food vibes, or portion it into pretty ramekins for an elegant dinner party twist. You can even sprinkle a little extra cheese and fresh herbs on each serving plate for that oh-so-inviting restaurant look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps exceptionally well in the fridge for up to three days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor—just reheat gently, and it’s ready to enjoy all over again.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for up to two months. Freeze in individual containers for easy meals later, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the pasta soft. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, stirring halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti or penne work wonderfully because they hold the sauce well, you can use most medium or large pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if using very different shapes.
Do I need to cook the chicken before adding it?
Yes. The recipe calls for shredded cooked chicken to ensure it’s tender and fully cooked before baking. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, or you can quickly poach or roast your chicken ahead of time.
Is there a way to make this healthier?
You can swap out the butter for olive oil and use low-fat milk or plant-based milk alternatives. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can also boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have tomato passata?
Tomato passata lends a smooth, fresh tomato flavor, but canned crushed tomatoes can be a substitute. Just blend them slightly for a smoother texture and reduce any extra liquid during cooking.
Can I prepare this entirely on the stove without baking?
While baking gives this dish its signature bubbly cheese topping and slightly caramelized edges, you can finish it on the stove by covering and letting it simmer gently to melt the cheeses. The texture will be different but still delicious in a cozy, creamy way.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a warm, satisfying meal with zero hassle. Each bite offers that joyful combination of creamy tomato richness, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness that feels like a hug on a plate. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner to share with family and friends.
Print
One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious meal that combines creamy tomato sauce with tender chicken and pasta, all baked to perfection with melted cheese. Made without cream, it’s a lighter take on a classic pasta bake, using a homemade tomato béchamel sauce enriched with butter and cheese. This easy-to-make recipe comes together on the stovetop and finishes in the oven for a bubbling cheesy top, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sauce and Pasta:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 tbsp (1/2 cup) plain flour
- 2 cups (500ml) milk
- 2 cups (500ml) tomato passata
- 1 cup (250ml) water or chicken/vegetable broth
- 2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups dried ziti or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
To Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare it for baking the pasta later.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the plain flour and cook it for 2 minutes to combine and remove the raw flour taste, forming a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the milk in small circular motions around the pan for about 1 minute until the sauce starts to thicken. Then add the tomato passata, water (or broth), salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally for the first 3 minutes and constantly for the last 2, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and if it tastes a bit sour due to the tomato passata, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the acidity.
- Add Pasta and Chicken: Mix in the uncooked ziti or penne, shredded cooked chicken, and cheddar cheese. Let it cook on the stovetop for about 1 minute to start softening the pasta and incorporate the cheese.
- Prepare to Bake: Remove the pan from heat, scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and cover the pan with a lid or foil to trap steam during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and the cheese to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown and crisp the top layer of cheese.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese to add aromatic freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- The choice of tomato passata affects the flavor; use a good-quality passata for best results. If too sour, add sugar to balance.
- Use a deep frying pan or skillet that is oven-safe to avoid transferring the mixture to another dish for baking.
- Covering the pasta bake while baking traps steam and helps cook the pasta evenly before finishing uncovered for a crispy cheese topping.
