Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy, you’re in the right place. This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it combines tender shredded chicken with two rich sauces and gooey cheese, all cooked low and slow in a crockpot—you just set it and forget it till dinnertime. I promise, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but work so well together to create a luscious, cheesy pasta dish your whole crew will devour. I love using fresh garlic and Italian seasoning to amp up the flavor without the fuss.

• Chicken breast, boneless and skinless: Opt for fresh over frozen if you can—it shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded, trust me on this one.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jar or homemade marinara; it adds that perfect tomato tang.
• Alfredo sauce: The creamy base that balances the zesty marinara, making this casserole irresistibly rich.
• Pepper: Just a pinch enhances flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Onion powder: Adds subtle depth without the texture of actual onions (great if you want smooth sauce consistency).
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that really brings everything together.
• Red pepper flakes: Use sparingly or leave out if you’re serving kids—they add a nice little kick.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic packs a punch and tastes way better than jarred for this recipe.
• Gluten-free pasta: Cooks up nice and al dente to soak up the cheesy sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Optional, but I recommend sprinkling it on top before serving for some extra savory goodness.
• Fresh basil, finely chopped: Adds a fresh pop and pretty color—my go-to garnish.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes work for your taste buds and lifestyle. Over time, I’ve tweaked this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe to match what my family craves and to suit different dietary needs. Feel free to get creative here!

• Make it spicy: I sometimes double the red pepper flakes for an extra kick—it’s delightful if you like heat!
• Swap the sauces: If you want a lighter version, try using a homemade tomato sauce paired with low-fat Greek yogurt instead of Alfredo.
• Add veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for some color and nutrients—my crew never complains when I sneak these in.
• Use different cheese: I’ve experimented with sharp cheddar or fontina for different melty textures and flavors.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Chicken and Sauces in the Crockpot

Start by placing your chicken breasts right in the bottom of the crockpot. Then pour in the marinara and Alfredo sauces. I love this step because you get all those flavors mingling from the get-go—make sure the chicken is fully coated. Sprinkle in the pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes on top. Trust me, this seasoning mix creates a flavorful base you’ll notice from the first bite.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender and Shreddable

Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 4 to 6 hours. Here’s what I learned: Don’t rush this step because the chicken needs time to absorb flavors and become perfectly tender. When it’s done, you’ll know because the meat shreds so easily with two forks—it’s juicy and beautifully cooked, not dry or tough.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Mix

Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot; then stir it well to coat every shred in that creamy sauce. This is the moment when everything really starts coming together—each bite will be full of flavor and that fabulous saucy texture.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Combine

While your chicken is cooking, boil your gluten-free pasta following the package directions for al dente. Drain it well—don’t rinse, so the sauce clings better. Then add the pasta into the crockpot, gently mixing it all so every noodle gets coated.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Finish in the Crockpot

Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Pop the lid back on and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer of cheesy goodness. This step makes it feel like you’re getting that indulgent, oven-baked casserole vibe without the extra heat or mess.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon generous portions onto plates and finish with sprinkles of Parmesan and fresh chopped basil. It adds just the right hint of saltiness and brightness that makes this casserole soar. I absolutely love how this turns out every time!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I always go for freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The basil adds a lovely freshness and color contrast, while the Parmesan brings an extra layer of savory depth. Sometimes, I even add a little drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top for a silky finish—totally optional but a game-changer.

Side Dishes

This casserole is rich and filling, so I like to keep sides light and crisp. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, or steamed broccoli with a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the meal. Sometimes, I serve it with garlic bread for a classic combo that disappears fast at the dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins and top each with fresh basil leaves and a dusting of Parmesan. It looks elegant but is still super cozy and comforting. Another fun idea is serving it family-style in a big, rustic dish surrounded by colorful veggies for a vibrant centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays delicious for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When you reheat, the flavors have really sunk in and taste even better after sitting overnight.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this casserole! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. From experience, it thaws really well in the fridge overnight, and reheating in the oven or microwave brings back that creamy, cheesy texture without drying it out.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, the microwave works great—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it creamy and avoid overcooked spots.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe enough—it’s become a go-to comfort meal for my family when we need something cozy, cheesy, and satisfying without the stress. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to throw together, the wonderful blend of flavors, and most importantly, the happy smiles around your dinner table. Give it a try this week; I bet you’ll be making it again and again.

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