Cheddar Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

This Cheddar Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and a crispy topping for a symphony of flavors and textures. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking. Get ready to indulge in a cheesy, satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comforting and Delicious:** The combination of chicken, pasta, and cheddar cheese sauce is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
* **Customizable:** You can easily add your favorite vegetables or change the type of cheese.
* **Perfect for a Crowd:** This bake is great for feeding a large group of people.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the bake ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Chicken

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste

### For the Pasta

* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
* 8 cups water
* 1 tablespoon salt

### For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (reserve 1 cup for topping)

### For the Topping (Optional)

* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

## Equipment

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Large pot
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Whisk
* Mixing bowls

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

### Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

### Step 3: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

1. In the same large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
6. Add 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

### Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and cheddar cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
3. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake.

### Step 5: Add the Topping (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese topping.

### Step 6: Bake the Pasta Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Mix in cooked broccoli florets, peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it yourself.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the cheese sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Creamier Sauce:** Substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk in the cheese sauce for an extra creamy texture.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives to the pasta bake for added freshness.
* **Bacon:** Cook and crumble bacon and add it to the pasta bake for a smoky flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cheddar Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* A side salad
* Garlic bread
* Steamed vegetables
* Coleslaw

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## FAQs

**Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, elbow macaroni, or even shells.

**Q: Can I freeze this pasta bake?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the pasta bake. Assemble the bake but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.

**Q: How can I prevent the pasta bake from drying out?**
A: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, not overcooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Also, ensure the cheese sauce is creamy enough to keep the pasta moist. Cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent the top from drying out.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or mushrooms.

**Q: What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs for the topping?**
A: You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes as a topping. Just make sure to mix them with melted butter for a crispy texture.

**Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?**
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the best results, shred your own cheese from a block.

**Q: How do I know when the pasta bake is done?**
A: The pasta bake is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. You can also insert a knife into the center of the bake; it should come out hot.

## Conclusion

This Cheddar Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy topping, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling warm and happy. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade pasta bake that everyone will love!