Dinner

Chicken Pasta Bake with Creamy Tomato and Cheese Recipe

ByBen Miller November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

This chicken pasta bake is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Creamy mascarpone and a blend of cheeses make the sauce rich, while tender chicken and penne pasta create a satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with baked pasta that has three visible layers: a red tomato sauce layer at the bottom, a creamy white cheese layer in the middle, and a golden brown melted cheese layer with green herbs sprinkled on top. Next to the baking dish is a white round plate holding a serving of the same baked pasta, showing penne pasta shapes covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese with a slight sprinkle of herbs. A glass of red wine and a small white bowl with pepper are placed nearby on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth napkin beside the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
¼ tsp chilli flakes
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
1 tsp caster sugar
6 tbsp mascarpone
4 skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
300g penne
70g mature cheddar, grated
50g grated mozzarella
½ small bunch of parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chopped onion gently for 10-12 minutes until soft. Add the crushed garlic and chilli flakes, cooking for another minute.
Step 2: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and caster sugar. Season to taste, then simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir through the mascarpone until smooth.
Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then fry for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/gas mark 7. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and toss with the remaining olive oil.
Step 5: Transfer the pasta to a medium ovenproof dish. Mix in the cooked chicken, then pour the tomato and mascarpone sauce evenly over the top.
Step 6: Sprinkle grated cheddar, mozzarella, and chopped parsley on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the tomato sauce while it simmers.
Swap the chicken for cooked sausage or vegetables for a different twist.
If you like a spicier dish, increase the chilli flakes or add some fresh chopped chili.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerances.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through to keep the topping crispy, or microwave for quicker reheating although the cheese may soften.