If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal to brighten up your weeknight dinners, this One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender shredded chicken with perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, all baked to melty, cheesy perfection, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It manages to impress without any fuss, making cleanup a breeze since everything comes together in just one pot. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and the promise of a delicious dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so accessible is its simple yet essential ingredient list, each playing a pivotal role in layering flavor and texture. From the creamy butter base to the fresh garlic and aromatic herbs, every element contributes to the rich, comforting taste that makes this pasta bake stand out.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness and creates the perfect base for the sauce with a silky texture.
- Small onion, diced (1): Brings mild sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the dish with an aromatic punch and warmth.
- Plain flour (6 tbsp / 1/2 cup): Thickens the sauce for that creamy, velvety consistency without cream.
- Milk (2 cups / 500ml): Keeps the sauce light and luscious while balancing the tomato acidity.
- Tomato passata (2 cups / 500ml): The heart of the dish providing a bright, fresh tomato flavor.
- Water or chicken/vegetable broth (1 cup / 250ml): Enhances the sauce’s flavor and ensures perfect pasta cooking.
- Salt (2 tsp): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the sauce.
- Dried ziti or penne pasta (3 cups): Holds up beautifully in the bake and soaks up all that lovely sauce.
- Shredded cooked chicken (2 cups): Provides hearty protein and makes this an all-in-one meal.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the dish adding sharp, creamy notes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3/4 cup): Creates that irresistible gooey, bubbly top layer.
- Fresh basil leaves: Brighten the dish with fragrant herbal freshness when garnishing.
- Freshly grated parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish to enhance every bite.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that once your pasta and sauce are ready to bake, the oven is perfect for melting the cheese and crisping the edges just right.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Melt the unsalted butter in a deep fry pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing gently for about five minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This soft, aromatic base is crucial for infusing the entire dish with depth.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the butter and onions, cooking for two minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly in small circles around the pan to avoid lumps. As the sauce thickens, stir in the tomato passata, water (or broth), salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, whisking consistently, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a silky, creamy tomato sauce without the need for cream.
Step 4: Balance the Flavors
Taste your sauce. Depending on the brand of passata, the acidity might be strong, so add one to two teaspoons of sugar as needed to balance that perfect sweet-tart harmony.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese
Add the dried pasta, shredded cooked chicken, and cheddar cheese directly into the sauce. Give everything a good stir to evenly coat all the pasta and chicken pieces. Let it cook on the stove for about one minute to let the flavors start to meld together before moving on to baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the pan with a lid or foil to trap steam and bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the cover and bake for another 5 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Once out of the oven, let the bake rest for 5 minutes to allow it to set and make serving easier.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and a generous grating of parmesan cheese on top right before serving. These garnishes add a vibrant pop of color, fresh herbal notes, and an extra savory layer that elevates the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta bake holds the spotlight, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds balance and a refreshing contrast to the richness. Garlic bread is also a classic companion that’s perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving portions in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets right from the oven. This presentation feels cozy and personal, perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through or in the microwave with a splash of milk to regain creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the cheese perfectly melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti or penne work best to hold the sauce, other tube-shaped or short-cut pasta like rigatoni or shells will also work great and soak up the creamy tomato sauce happily.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also use plant-based chicken alternatives to keep the protein component.
Why is there no cream in the sauce? Will it still be creamy?
This recipe cleverly uses a butter and flour roux combined with milk and tomato passata to create a sauce that is creamy and smooth without any heavy cream. The result is rich and comforting yet lighter than traditional cream-based pasta bakes.
Can I prepare this dish entirely on the stovetop without baking?
While possible, baking adds a lovely golden, bubbly topping and helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you skip baking, you can still enjoy the creamy sauce and pasta but miss out on that delicious melted cheese crust.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a bit more milk or broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken before adding pasta and chicken.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly wonderful about a comforting, creamy pasta bake that comes together in one pot, making weeknight dinners easier and more delicious than ever. This One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe strikes just the right balance between cheesy, savory, and fresh flavors, with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy the cozy, flavorful goodness with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
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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, cheesy dish combining tender chicken, ziti pasta, and a luscious homemade tomato sauce—all baked to perfection without any cream. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and blends the rich flavors of tomato passata, melted cheeses, and fresh basil for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Sauce and Base
- 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
Pasta and Protein
- 3 cups dried ziti or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Cheeses and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
- 1–2 tsp sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for the pasta bake.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook for about 5 minutes until onions turn translucent and fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Stir in 6 tablespoons of plain flour, combining well with the butter and vegetables. Continue cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in 2 cups (500ml) of milk, whisking constantly in small circles around the pan to avoid lumps. Cook for 1 minute until the mixture starts thickening.
- Incorporate Tomato and Seasonings: Add 2 cups (500ml) tomato passata, 1 cup (250ml) water or broth, 2 teaspoons salt, and black pepper to taste. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Whisk occasionally for the first 3 minutes and then continuously for the last 2 minutes.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the sauce and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar if the sauce tastes too sour, depending on the acidity of the tomato passata used.
- Add Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese: Stir in 3 cups of dried ziti or penne pasta, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and let it cook on the stovetop for around 1 minute to combine flavors, then remove from heat.
- Add Mozzarella and Bake: Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the lid or foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese slightly and finish cooking the pasta.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Note 1: Tomato passata is a smooth, sieved tomato sauce with no seeds; it can often be found in jars or cartons in the canned tomato section of grocery stores.
- Note 2: Using a deep frying pan or skillet that is oven-safe is important for transferring the dish from stovetop to oven safely.
- Note 3: Covering the dish during the initial bake helps the pasta cook evenly and the cheese melt thoroughly without drying out the surface.
