Chicken Bakes

Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake

Name: Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice; 1 cup (120g) frozen peas; 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (60g) ricotta cheese; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

By Noelle Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Chicken Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total60 min

Serves6

Crispy golden Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake

As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and satisfying. One of my favorite go-to dishes is the humble casserole, and today I'm excited to share with you my recipe for Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake.

This recipe is a staple in my household, and for good reason - it's a crowd-pleaser, it's easy to make, and it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken, sweet peas, and creamy pasta is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it's all made in one dish.

I love that this recipe is a great way to use up leftover ingredients, and it's also a fantastic way to get your daily dose of veggies in. The peas add a burst of sweetness and freshness to the dish, while the chicken provides lean protein and the pasta adds comforting carbs. It's a well-rounded meal that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of chicken thighs, pasta, peas, and cheese to create a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious casserole. We'll be cooking the chicken and pasta in the oven, which gives the dish a nice golden brown crust and a tender, fall-apart texture. And the best part? It's ready in under an hour, making it the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight dinner.

So, if you're looking for a recipe that's easy, delicious, and satisfying, then you're in the right place. Let's get started and make this amazing Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.
It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of chicken, peas, and pasta provides a well-rounded meal that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
The dish is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients and spices.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in its layering and cooking technique. By cooking the chicken and pasta in the oven, we're able to achieve a nice golden brown crust on top, while keeping the inside tender and creamy. The peas add a burst of freshness and sweetness, while the cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of a mixture of cheeses, including mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta. This combination provides a creamy and tangy flavor profile that complements the chicken and pasta perfectly. And by using a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream, we're able to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, we're allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, resulting in a dish that's both creamy and tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making this recipe, it's all about using high-quality ingredients. Look for fresh peas, tender chicken thighs, and a good quality pasta that will hold up well to the creamy sauce. Don't forget to stock up on cheese, as we'll be using a combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta to give the dish its creamy and tangy flavor profile.

As you shop for ingredients, keep an eye out for sales on chicken thighs and pasta, as these are staples that you'll want to have on hand. And don't forget to pick up some fresh parsley, as we'll be using it to add a burst of freshness to the dish.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessLook for fresh and tender chicken thighs, and make sure to trim any excess fat before using.
8 oz (225g) pasta of your choiceChoose a pasta that will hold up well to the creamy sauce, such as penne or fusilli.
1 cup (120g) frozen peasFresh peas are best, but frozen peas will do in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them first.
2 cups (475ml) chicken brothUse low-sodium chicken broth to control the amount of salt in the dish.
1 cup (240ml) heavy creamHeavy cream adds a rich and creamy element to the dish, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer.
1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheeseMozzarella cheese adds a creamy and melty element to the dish, but you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar or parmesan.
1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish, and is essential for the creamy sauce.
1/4 cup (60g) ricotta cheeseRicotta cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish, and helps to balance out the flavors.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the chicken and add flavor to the dish, but you can substitute it with other oils like coconut or avocado oil.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme adds a savory and slightly bitter flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the peas.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse salt and pepper to season the dish to your taste, and don't be afraid to add more or less as needed.

Ingredients for Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometer9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dishColander or strainerCheese grater or food processorMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente, then set it aside to drain.
3
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until they're browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Leave the skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5
Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook until they're tender and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and peas. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
7
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
9
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
10
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
11
To serve, slice the casserole into individual portions and serve with your choice of sides, such as garlic bread or a green salad.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh peas and tender chicken thighs, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven and become mushy.
Use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta, to create a creamy and tangy sauce.
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as thyme or basil, to add more flavor to the dish.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced ham or cooked vegetables, to make the dish more substantial.
Use leftover chicken or pasta to make the dish more efficient and reduce food waste.
Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough cheese, which can result in a dry and flavorless sauce.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can cause the sauce to be runny and the flavors to be unbalanced.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as frozen peas or processed cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can result in a bland and unappetizing flavor.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced ham or cooked bacon to the pasta mixture for added smokiness and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, to create a unique and tangy sauce.
Add cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to the pasta mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Use leftover chicken or pasta to make the dish more efficient and reduce food waste.
Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as thyme or basil, to add more flavor to the dish.
Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
Use gluten-free pasta or substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.

What to Serve With Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake

This Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it as a main course, accompanied by a side of fruit or a simple green salad.

Consider serving the dish at a dinner party or special occasion, as it's sure to impress your guests with its creamy sauce and tender chicken. And don't forget to pair it with a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail for a truly memorable meal.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesFruit saladGrilled chicken or steak

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken And Pea Pasta Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the dish cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.

When reheating, make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to the dish to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

Finally, consider making the dish ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing it for later use. This can be a great way to save time and reduce food waste, and the dish will still be delicious and satisfying when you're ready to serve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

The best type of pasta for this recipe is a short, tubular pasta such as penne or fusilli. This type of pasta will hold up well to the creamy sauce and provide a good texture contrast to the dish.

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen peas instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure to cover it with aluminum foil during baking and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to the dish to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the pasta mixture and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.

What's the best way to reheat the casserole?

The best way to reheat the casserole is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to the dish to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with another protein such as turkey, beef, or pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through and safe to eat.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

To ensure the chicken is cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Just make sure to check the ingredients of the cheese and chicken broth to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

The Full Recipe

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