We all have those nights where we stare into the fridge and wonder what to make. You want something comforting. You want something that fills the kitchen with an amazing smell. Most importantly, you want a meal that brings everyone to the table without a fuss. That is exactly where this Creamy Chicken Pasta comes in to save the day.

This dish is the definition of a crowd pleaser. It combines tender bites of chicken thighs with a rich and savory tomato sauce. We add a layer of smokiness with turkey bacon that really deepens the flavor profile. It is a warm and bubbling bake that feels like a hug in a bowl.

If you have been hunting for reliable Chicken And Pasta Dishes that do not require fancy techniques, you are in the right place. This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but tastes like you spent hours by the stove. It is cheesy, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh spinach and tomatoes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The best part about this Creamy Chicken Pasta is how incredibly flavorful it is. By cooking the aromatics in the same pan used for the turkey bacon and chicken, we build layers of taste that infuse every single bite. The sauce clings perfectly to the rigatoni so you get the perfect ratio of pasta to sauce in every forkful.

This meal is also wonderfully versatile. It works as a cozy Sunday supper or a quick fix for a busy Tuesday. It fits right in with your collection of go to Creamy Pasta Dishes because it uses simple pantry staples. You likely have most of the spices and pasta in your cupboard already. It is budget friendly too since we swap expensive cuts for juicy chicken thighs and turkey bacon.

Another reason this Chicken Pasta Dinner is a winner is the texture. You get the soft chew of the pasta, the tender chicken, and the slight crunch of the baked cheese on top. The fresh tomato wedges soften just enough in the oven to release their juices, adding a burst of freshness that cuts through the rich mozzarella and parmesan topping.

Finally, this is a forgiving recipe. If you are new to cooking, this bake is a safe bet. The oven does a lot of the work for you. Once you toss everything together and pop it in the baking dish, you just have to wait for that golden bubbly cheese crust to form. It creates a beautiful presentation that looks impressive on any dinner table.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Baked Chicken Pasta, you will need the following items. We have swapped out traditional pork bacon for turkey bacon to keep things lighter without losing that savory kick.

1 lb chicken thighs, cut into small bite size pieces
1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt (for seasoning chicken)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for seasoning chicken)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp Italian herb mix
10 oz rigatoni (or penne, elbow macaroni, shells or similar)
2 tsp salt, for cooking pasta
5 slices turkey bacon
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
24 oz tomato passata
1/2 cup water
1 tsp cooking/kosher salt (for the sauce)
1/2 tsp black pepper (for the sauce)
3 tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges then halved
2 big handfuls baby spinach
2 cups mozzarella, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan, finely shredded

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (160°C fan). This ensures your oven is nice and hot when you are ready to bake. While the oven warms up, you can gather your ingredients. Having everything chopped and measured makes the cooking process smooth and stress free.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the 2 teaspoons of salt to the water. Add your rigatoni or chosen pasta shape. Cook the pasta according to the packet directions until it is al dente. Do not overcook it since it will bake in the sauce later.

Once cooked, drain the pasta well. Rinse it briefly under tap water to stop the cooking process and wash away excess starch. Set the pasta aside to cool while you work on the sauce and chicken elements.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Grab a medium bowl and place your bite sized chicken thigh pieces inside. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herb mix. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the spices. This step ensures every piece of meat in your Creamy Chicken Pasta is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Crisp the Turkey Bacon

Place your turkey bacon strips in a very large non stick pan. Do not heat the pan before adding the bacon. Turn the stove on to medium high heat. Let the bacon cook until it turns golden brown and crispy. This renders out some fat which adds great flavor.

Remove the crispy bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Leave any fat in the pan; we will use that for cooking. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, chop it into small pieces roughly 1/3 inch in size.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Look at the pan you used for the bacon. If it is dry, add a splash of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon). Increase the heat to high. Add your seasoned chicken pieces to the hot pan. You want to hear a good sizzle when the meat hits the pan.

Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes. You are looking for a light golden color on the outside. The chicken should still be raw on the inside at this point. Do not worry; it will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it in a bowl.

Step 6: Create the Sauce Base

Lower the heat slightly. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook them for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chili flakes and dried oregano. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

Pour in the chicken broth. Let it simmer rapidly for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the liquid to mostly evaporate while deglazing the pan. This lifts all those tasty brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add the tomato paste. Cook and stir it for 1 minute. This step is crucial as it caramelizes the paste and deepens the tomato flavor. It removes that raw, metallic taste sometimes found in canned pastes.

Step 7: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the tomato passata. Use the 1/2 cup of water to rinse out the passata bottle or jar so you get every drop, then pour that into the pan too. Add the remaining salt and pepper. Return the chicken to the pan, including any juices that have gathered in the bowl.

Stir everything to combine. Let the sauce simmer on medium heat for about 5 minutes. You will see it thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Toss Ingredients

Now comes the fun part. Add the baby spinach, the fresh tomato wedges, the cooked pasta, and the chopped turkey bacon into the pan with the sauce. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss everything well. Ensure the spinach wilts slightly and the pasta is fully coated in red sauce.

Step 9: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the entire mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Follow this with the finely shredded parmesan cheese.

Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. You want the cheese to be fully melted with some delicious golden spots appearing on top. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the sauce to settle so it is not too runny when you scoop it out. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Creamy Chicken Pasta!

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How To Store Leftovers

One of the best things about Chicken And Pasta Dishes is that they often taste even better the next day. The flavors have more time to marry together in the fridge. To store this dish, let it cool down completely to room temperature first. Do not leave it out for more than two hours for food safety reasons.

Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep lunches or a quick dinner later in the week. The pasta holds its texture well and the chicken stays moist thanks to the sauce.

When you are ready to reheat, you can use the microwave or the oven. If using the microwave, sprinkle a tiny bit of water over the pasta to keep it from drying out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Tips

For the best melting experience, buy blocks of mozzarella and parmesan and shred them yourself. Pre shredded cheese often contains anti caking agents like potato starch. These agents can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese results in that luxurious, stretchy cheese pull we all love in Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Do not skip the step of browning the tomato paste. It might seem like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference. Cooking the paste removes the acidic edge and brings out a natural sweetness. It gives the sauce a depth that tastes like it has been simmering all day long.

If you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes. The recipe calls for half a teaspoon which gives a gentle warmth. If you are cooking for kids who are sensitive to spice, you can reduce this amount or omit it entirely without ruining the flavor.

Make sure you use chicken thighs rather than chicken breast if possible. Thigh meat is more forgiving and stays juicy even after being seared and then baked. Chicken breast tends to dry out faster in double cooked recipes like this Baked Chicken Pasta.

When cooking the pasta, remember to salt the water generously. This is your only chance to season the pasta noodles themselves. If the water is not salty like the sea, the pasta can taste bland even when covered in sauce.

Conclusion

There is nothing quite like pulling a bubbling dish of Creamy Chicken Pasta out of the oven. The golden cheese, the savory aroma, and the promise of a hearty meal make it an instant favorite. It is the kind of recipe that proves you do not need difficult techniques to make something delicious.

Whether you are cooking for a hungry family or just want leftovers for the week, this bake delivers. It is simple, satisfying, and packed with classic Italian inspired flavors. Give this recipe a try next time you need a win in the kitchen. It might just become your new weekly staple.

FAQ

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes, absolutely. You can easily swap the regular rigatoni for your favorite gluten free pasta brand. Just be sure to check the cooking time on the package as gluten free pasta can sometimes cook faster or become mushy if overcooked. The rest of the ingredients like chicken, veggies, and cheese are naturally gluten free.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

This dish freezes reasonably well. You can assemble the bake but freeze it before the final baking step. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding about 20 to 30 extra minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, freeze cooked leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?

You can use chicken breast if that is what you have on hand. However, breast meat is leaner and can dry out more easily than thighs. To prevent dry chicken, be careful not to overcook it during the searing stage. Sear it very quickly just to get color, as it will finish cooking in the oven.

What Can I Serve With This?

This Chicken Pasta Dinner is a complete meal on its own with protein, carbs, and veggies. However, it goes great with a simple green side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness. A slice of garlic bread is also perfect for mopping up any extra tomato sauce left on your plate.

About the Author

James Carter

January 20, 2026

I learned to cook from two amazing women: my mom and my aunt. My mom, who passed away in 2021, was the heart of our kitchen. I've stayed in the home we shared, continuing the tradition of home-cooked meals that bring comfort and connection.