Golden Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Bake
A rich, comforting pasta bake loaded with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a silky cream sauce, all finished with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an easy make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
300 g (10 oz) pasta (shells or penne work best)
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become lightly golden.
Make the creamy sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer until thickened.
Add chicken and seasoning
Stir in the cooked chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes.
Combine with pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until well coated.
Assemble the bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
Bake to perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
🍽️ Tips for Extra Flavor
Add a handful of spinach for a nutritious twist
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
Mix in a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat
Creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—this pasta bake is the kind of dish everyone goes back for seconds
