This Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Bake is a cozy dish made with tender chicken, rigatoni pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s topped with melting cheese, making it simply irresistible!
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I love how it fills the house with a warm, inviting smell. Serve it with a side salad, and you’ve got a perfect dinner that everyone will love! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni Pasta: This shape holds sauce beautifully! If you’re out of rigatoni, you can try penne, ziti, or even farfalle. Just make sure the pasta is similar in size for even cooking.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! For a lighter option, consider using shredded turkey or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian twist.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add flavor and texture, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip them. Canned mushrooms are a quick alternative, though fresh is best!
Marinara Sauce: Any good jarred pasta sauce works well. For a spicy kick, you can use arrabbiata sauce or mix in some red pepper flakes!
Heavy Cream: To lighten things up, half-and-half or even a plant-based cream works. You can also use Greek yogurt for creaminess without the calories.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix it up with cheddar or Monterey Jack. For more flavor, try using smoked mozzarella!
How Do You Get the Cheese to Be Perfectly Golden and bubbly?
Getting that golden, bubbly top on your bake is all about the cheese and the baking method! Follow these steps for the best result:
- Use a mix of cheeses for flavor and texture. Mozzarella is great for stretch, while Parmesan adds a nice salty crisp!
- Ensure your pasta and sauce mixture is hot before baking; this helps the cheese melt evenly.
- For maximum browning, place the dish under the broiler for a minute or two after baking. Just watch it closely to prevent burning!
Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the cheese set a little, making it easier to serve.
Delicious Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups marinara sauce (or tomato pasta sauce)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Bake takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at about 55 minutes total! It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but delicious enough for a special occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your dish.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Next, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to brown.
4. Add the Chicken:
Stir in the cooked chicken pieces and continue cooking for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce, add the heavy cream, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine everything. Let this simmer for 3-4 minutes, then season it with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine with Pasta:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the chicken and sauce mixture. Make sure everything is well mixed!
7. Layer in Baking Dish:
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over this layer. Then add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish with the rest of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes. This makes serving easier! Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before digging in.
Enjoy your hearty Chicken Rigatoni Pasta Bake! It’s creamy, cheesy, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table. 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works beautifully, you can substitute it with penne, ziti, or even farfalle. Just ensure the pasta shape is similar for even cooking.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can! Assemble the pasta bake ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
What Should I Do with Leftover Pasta Bake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You might also want to add beans for extra protein if desired!