Dinner

Chicken Pasta Bake with Tomato, Mascarpone, and Melted Cheddar Recipe

BySophie Carsel November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

Introduction

Chicken pasta bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep and comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with baked pasta topped with golden brown melted cheese and sprinkled with chopped green herbs, mostly parsley, covering one side of the dish. The pasta beneath is visible as rigatoni coated in a reddish tomato sauce mixed with melted cheese creating a creamy texture. Next to the dish is a white round plate with a serving of the same baked pasta, showing rigatoni pieces layered with sauce, melted cheese, and herbs. Nearby are a small glass of dark red wine and a small white bowl with coarse salt. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth partially under the baking 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 pasta
70g mature cheddar, grated
50g grated mozzarella
½ small bunch of parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the finely chopped onion gently for 10 to 12 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add the crushed garlic and chilli flakes to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the flavors.
Step 3: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and add the caster sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Stir the mascarpone cheese into the sauce until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then fry for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and slightly golden. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or gas mark 7.
Step 7: Cook the penne pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain well and toss with the remaining olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Transfer the pasta to a medium-sized ovenproof dish. Stir in the cooked chicken strips and pour the tomato and mascarpone sauce over the top. Mix gently to combine.
Step 9: Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar, mozzarella, and chopped parsley evenly over the pasta mixture.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped mushrooms or bell peppers when frying the onion.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Swap penne for fusilli or rigatoni if preferred.
To make it spicier, increase the chilli flakes or add a dash of hot sauce into the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan) until warmed through to keep the cheese from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pasta rubbery.

How to Serve

The image shows a large white oval dish filled with baked pasta covered in golden brown melted cheese with some green herbs sprinkled on top. One side of the dish has a scoop of pasta removed, revealing layers of pasta, rich red sauce, and cheese underneath. Next to the dish is a white round plate holding a serving of the baked pasta, topped with melted cheese and herbs. A glass of dark red drink and a small white bowl with seasoning are placed near the plate, all set on a white marbled surface, with a grey cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake without baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.

Can I freeze the chicken pasta bake?

This dish freezes well. Cool completely before freezing in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual until hot and bubbly.