If you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly dinner that’s simple to throw together, this Easy Baked Chicken Pasta is just what you need! With minimal prep time and just a few affordable ingredients, this meal can be on your table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
As a busy mom, I know how important it is to find recipes that don’t take hours in the kitchen but still taste amazing. This baked chicken pasta dish has become a staple in my household because it’s easy, versatile, and costs less than $15 to make. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or both, this is a great go-to recipe that won’t disappoint.
This was inspired by my one pot recipes on this site, and pairs well with a fresh salad.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a handful of basic ingredients to make this delicious baked chicken pasta. It’s a straightforward recipe with pantry staples, making it a no-fuss option.
- Chicken breasts
- Avocado oil spray
- Better Than Bouillon
- Pasta sauce
- Noodles
- Water
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This dish couldn’t be easier to make. Simply toss everything into a baking dish, cover, and let the oven do the work. You’ll have a hearty, comforting meal with very little effort. Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps:
- Step 1: Preheat the oven and spray the baking dish.
- Step 2: Add uncooked noodles and cubed chicken to the dish.
- Step 3: Pour over the bouillon mixture and top with pasta sauce.
- Step 4: Cover with tinfoil and bake until done.
Hint: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking and bake uncovered to let the cheese melt and brown.
Substitutions
This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. Here are a few ideas for substitutions to make it work for your family’s preferences.
- Chicken – Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Noodles – Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even veggie-based noodles like lentil or chickpea pasta.
- Pasta Sauce – If you don’t have jarred sauce, use canned tomatoes and add your own seasonings for a fresher taste.
Variations
Want to customize this recipe even more? Try these variations to put your own spin on the classic baked pasta.
- Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the pasta sauce for a spicier version.
- Veggie Boost – Toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to sneak in some extra veggies.
- Creamy Option – Mix in a little cream or cream cheese to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Equipment
- 8×12 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave portions or bake in the oven at 350F degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Easy Chicken Baked Pasta:
Easy Baked Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts cubed
- Avocado oil spray
- 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon
- 1 jar 24 oz pasta sauce
- 1 box uncooked pasta 16 oz noodles
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Spray an 8×12 baking dish with avocado oil spray.
- Add the uncooked noodles and cubed chicken to the dish.
- In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon with 4 cups of water. Pour the mixture over the chicken and noodles.
- Pour the jar of pasta sauce evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish tightly with tinfoil, making sure to seal the edges well.
- Bake in the oven at 400°F for 55 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, uncover, and serve hot.