Golden, cheesy, and bubbling straight from the oven—Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is comfort food done right. This dish brings together tender chunks of seasoned chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety cream sauce laced with marinara and melty mozzarella. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want seconds before you’ve even finished your first bite.

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance: the acidity of the tomato marinara cuts through the creamy base, while the broiled mozzarella on top creates a golden crust that seals in all that savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this baked pasta delivers restaurant-level flavor without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Ultra-Creamy Texture: Thanks to a mix of marinara and cream, every bite is coated in rich, velvety sauce.
Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults—no picky eaters here.
Easy to Prep in Advance: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready.
Versatile: Switch up the protein or pasta type to keep it fresh every time.
Perfect for Leftovers: This pasta reheats beautifully, making lunch the next day just as satisfying.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (and Why They Matter)

To ensure your Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta turns out flawless, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need and how each one helps:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For browning the chicken and simmering the sauce. A non-stick or stainless steel skillet distributes heat evenly and helps build flavor.
Large Pot: Needed to boil the pasta. Make sure it’s roomy enough to cook the pasta without sticking.
Colander: Drains pasta efficiently and quickly, helping prevent overcooking.
Mixing Bowl: Combines your pasta, sauce, and chicken before baking.
9×13 Baking Dish: The ideal size for even baking and a nice pasta-to-sauce ratio.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring ingredients gently without breaking the pasta.
Grater: Freshly grated mozzarella or parmesan melts better and adds rich texture.
Aluminum Foil: Optional, but useful for covering the dish if you want to prevent too much browning on top.

Having these tools set up before you start makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Preparation Tips

To get the best flavor and texture from your dish, keep these preparation tips in mind:

Cook Pasta Just Shy of Al Dente: Since it will continue cooking in the oven, slightly undercooking prevents it from becoming mushy.
Season Your Chicken Generously: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs bring out savory flavors and create a flavorful crust when seared.
Use Room Temperature Cream: This prevents curdling when mixed with marinara over heat.
Grate Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect how it melts. Freshly grated mozzarella gives that perfect gooey stretch.
Layer Strategically: Mix most of the cheese in, then save a generous layer to sprinkle on top for that bubbly, golden finish.
Let It Rest: Allow the pasta to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and flavors settle.

These tips ensure each bite is rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured.

Ingredients for This Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty and satisfying dish. These ingredients strike a perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and savory depth:

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the chicken
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta – sturdy enough to hold the creamy sauce
2 cups marinara sauce – use your favorite store-bought or homemade
1 cup heavy cream – adds luscious richness to the sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a sharp, nutty layer of flavor
2 cloves garlic, minced – optional, for added depth
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

You can easily tweak ingredients to suit your pantry or dietary needs—swap in whole wheat pasta, use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or mix in spinach or mushrooms for added veggies.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne or rigatoni and cook until just shy of al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside. This ensures the pasta won’t overcook once it bakes in the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Marinara Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, and minced garlic (if using). Stir to combine and let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and creamy marinara sauce until everything is well-coated. You want every piece to be soaked in that rich, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, then serve warm and melty.

Notes

Use Quality Marinara: Since the marinara is a key part of the flavor base, choose a sauce with rich tomato flavor and minimal added sugars.
Double the Cheese for Extra Indulgence: Love cheese? Add an extra layer of mozzarella or even a mix with provolone or fontina.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a little heat.
Add Veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers can be mixed in to add color and nutrients.
Swap the Protein: This recipe also works great with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even cooked Italian sausage.
Make It Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free pasta and double-check your marinara and seasonings are certified GF.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Pasta: Since it will continue baking in the oven, pasta should be slightly undercooked in the boiling stage. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy.
Skipping the Sauce Simmer: Letting the sauce simmer with cream and cheese helps the flavors meld and improves the texture. Don’t rush this step.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: These contain additives that can affect melt quality. Always opt for freshly grated cheese.
Baking Without a Taste Check: Before baking, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper makes a big difference.
Not Resting After Baking: Cutting into the pasta right after it’s out of the oven can make it messy. Let it sit to thicken slightly and settle.
Crowding the Skillet with Chicken: This causes steaming instead of searing. Work in batches if needed to get a golden crust.
Burning the Top During Broil: Keep a close eye if you broil the cheese—2–3 minutes is more than enough for a bubbly golden finish.

What to Serve With Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?

This rich and satisfying dish pairs beautifully with sides that bring balance—think crisp, fresh, tangy, or lightly sweet flavors to contrast the creamy, cheesy base. Here are eight delicious recommendations to round out your meal:

8 Recommendations

Garlic Bread
Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of parmesan bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Broccoli or Broccolini
Slightly charred and seasoned, these greens bring a nutty bitterness that complements the cheesy creaminess.
Caprese Salad
Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze deliver bright, clean flavors to balance the heaviness of the pasta.
Grilled Zucchini or Eggplant
Lightly seasoned grilled vegetables add a smoky layer and pair well with the tomato base of the sauce.
Mixed Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A simple side salad with a citrusy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess and freshens the palate.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Roasted until golden and seasoned with a touch of salt and lemon zest—they offer texture and depth to your plate.
Antipasto Platter
Great for gatherings—serve alongside with olives, cured meats, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers as a flavor-packed start to your meal.

These sides don’t just complement the pasta—they elevate the entire dining experience.

Storage Instructions

Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

To Store in the Fridge: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers or cover the entire baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat individual servings in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, covered loosely, until heated through (2–3 minutes).
- Oven: Reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until hot in the center.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and based on a serving size of 1/6th of the recipe.

Calories: ~580 kcal
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Sodium: 760mg
Calcium: 250mg

For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reducing the cheese or using part-skim mozzarella.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne and rigatoni are great because they hold sauce well, but feel free to use ziti, fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat or gluten-free options.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help thicken if needed.

4. How can I make this spicier?

Mix red pepper flakes into the sauce, or add chopped spicy sausage or jalapeños for a kick of heat.

5. Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! This is a great way to repurpose cooked chicken. Just skip the searing step and stir it into the sauce with the pasta.

6. Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, very much so. Assemble and freeze before baking or freeze individual baked portions. Always wrap well to prevent freezer burn.

7. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Just leave out the chicken and load it up with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You could also add plant-based sausage or chickpeas for protein.

8. What if I don’t have marinara sauce?

You can use crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning, or even mix canned tomato soup with garlic, basil, and oregano as a quick substitute.

Conclusion

Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is everything you want in a comforting, easy dinner—rich, cheesy, hearty, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving it up on a weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its simple prep, make-ahead versatility, and flexible ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation. Get ready to fall in love with every cheesy, creamy bite.