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There is nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, cheesy pasta dish at the end of a busy day. This One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate solution for a quick, hearty meal that the whole family will adore. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity; everything cooks in a single vessel, meaning you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your dinner. Unlike many heavy pasta bakes, this version achieves a luxurious, velvety texture without using any heavy cream.
Instead of cream, we use a classic roux base made from butter, flour, and milk, combined with rich tomato passata. This creates a pink sauce that is savory, smooth, and perfectly coats the ziti or penne. It is a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or roast chicken from the weekend. If you are a fan of simple, comforting meals like Classic Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe, this tomato-infused variation will quickly become a favorite in your household.
The combination of melted cheddar and mozzarella adds that irresistible cheese pull we all crave. It’s versatile, too—you can easily swap the chicken for vegetables if you prefer a meat-free night. For those who love efficient cooking methods, this dish rivals the convenience of our popular Easy One Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients Needed
To make this delicious pasta bake, you willóneed a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here is what makes this dish shine:
- Butter & Flour: These form the roux, which thickens the milk to create a creamy base without heavy cream.
- Aromatics: Diced onion and minced garlic build the savory foundation of the flavor profile.
- Tomato Passata: This strained tomato puree provides a smooth texture and deep tomato flavor. You can learn more about tomato products from resources like the USDA food safety and labeling guides if you are curious about canned goods.
- Liquids: A combination of milk and water (or broth) ensures the pasta has enough liquid to cook directly in the sauce.
- Pasta: Dried ziti or penne works best as the tube shape holds the thick sauce beautifully.
- Proteins: Shredded cooked chicken makes this a complete meal. Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
- Cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds flavor, while mozzarella provides the melt. Freshly grating your cheese is highly recommended for the best texture.
If you enjoy dishes that creatively use chicken, you might also want to check out our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for another creamy delight.
Product Spotlight
Deep Oven-Safe Skillet
The success of a one-pot meal often hinges on the cookware, and this Deep Oven-Safe Skillet is the perfect tool for the job. Its generous depth ensures that you can stir the pasta, sauce, and chicken vigorously without worrying about ingredients spilling over the sides. The ability to transfer it directly from the stovetop burner to the hot oven makes it indispensable for recipes like this pasta bake, saving you from washing extra baking dishes.
Deep Oven-Safe Skillet
$45.00
- Material: Anodized Aluminum or Stainless Steel
- Size: 10-inch diameter, 2.5-inch depth
- Feature: Oven safe up to 450°F
Stainless Steel Balloon Whisk
Creating a smooth, lump-free roux is the secret to the creamy texture of this dish, and a high-quality Stainless Steel Balloon Whisk makes that process effortless. The wires are spaced perfectly to incorporate the flour into the butter and whisk in the milk evenly. The ergonomic non-slip grip is a thoughtful addition, ensuring your hand stays comfortable even during the constant whisking required to thicken the sauce to perfection.
Stainless Steel Balloon Whisk
$12.00
- Material: Polished Stainless Steel
- Handle: Ergonomic non-slip grip
Box Grater
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it never melts quite as beautifully as a block you grate yourself. This sturdy Box Grater is essential for achieving that gooey, stringy cheese pull that makes a pasta bake so appetizing. With four different sides, it offers versatility for all your kitchen needs, from coarse shredding of the cheddar and mozzarella for the filling to a fine grating of parmesan for the final garnish.
Box Grater
$18.00
- Material: Stainless Steel blades
- Sides: 4-sided for fine, medium, and coarse shredding
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350F/180C.
Step 2
Melt butter in a deep fry pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the flour and stir to combine, then cook for 2 minutes.
Step 3
Add the milk and whisk for 1 minute in small circles until it starts to thicken. Then add the tomato passata, water, salt and pepper.
Step 4
Increase the heat to medium high and cook for around 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Whisk occasionally at first, then constantly for the last 2 minutes.
Step 5
Do a taste test and add 1 to 2 tsp of sugar if the sauce is slightly sour.
Step 6
Add the uncooked ziti/penne, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly and cook for 1 minute on the stove before removing from heat.
Step 7
Scatter with mozzarella cheese. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 10 minutes.
Step 8
Remove the lid/foil and bake for a further 5 minutes.
Step 9
Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan if desired.
🥘 One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake (No Cream)
📝 Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 tbsp / 1/2 cup plain flour
- 2 cups milk (500ml)
- 2 cups tomato passata (500ml)
- 1 cup water (or chicken or vegetable broth)
- 2 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 cups dried ziti / penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
- Freshly grated parmesan (optional garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F/180C.
- Melt butter in a deep fry pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the flour and stir to combine, then cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the milk and whisk for 1 minute in small circles until it starts to thicken. Then add the tomato passata, water, salt and pepper.
- Increase the heat to medium high and cook for around 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Whisk occasionally at first, then constantly for the last 2 minutes.
- Do a taste test and add 1 to 2 tsp of sugar if the sauce is slightly sour.
- Add the uncooked ziti/penne, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly and cook for 1 minute on the stove before removing from heat.
- Scatter with mozzarella cheese. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid/foil and bake for a further 5 minutes.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and grated parmesan if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat pasta. However, whole wheat pasta typically absorbs more liquid and may take slightly longer to cook. You might need to add an extra splash of water or broth. For more on pasta nutrition, Healthline offers great insights.
My sauce looks too thin. What should I do?
The sauce will continue to thicken as the pasta cooks and releases starch. If it still seems thin before baking, simmer it for an extra minute or two. Remember, it will also set significantly as it cools during the resting period.
Do I have to use a skillet?
While a deep oven-safe skillet is ideal for the “one-pot” aspect, you can start the recipe in a regular pot or pan and transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before putting it in the oven. For high-quality cookware options, check out our guide on Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake proves that you do not need complicated techniques or heavy cream to create a rich, satisfying dinner. It is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor, making it a staple for busy weeknights. The cheesy, golden crust and tender pasta will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Next time you are looking for an easy meal that minimizes cleanup, give this recipe a try. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. For more easy dinner inspiration, do not miss our 10 Minute Sauteed Zucchini side dish.
