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Close-up of baked chicken and macaroni pasta casserole with melted, bubbly cheese on top, served in a white baking dish.
Emily Carter

Baked Chicken and Macaroni Pasta

A comforting and budget-friendly baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, macaroni, and plenty of cheese, perfect for an easy family dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 439

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni dry
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 48 oz pasta sauce (two 24 oz jars)
  • 8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon salt divided, for boiling water
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Equipment

  • 2 large pots
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 13x9 inch baking dish
  • 2 forks for shredding chicken

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring two large pots of water to a rolling boil; add 1/2 tablespoon of salt to each pot.
  3. Add the elbow macaroni to one pot and cook according to package directions until al dente; drain well and set aside.
  4. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the second pot of boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Remove chicken from the water, let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked macaroni, both jars of pasta sauce, and the black pepper; stir well to combine.
  7. Pour the mixture into a 13x9 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  8. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top, then follow with the grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an even quicker meal, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded.
This dish is fantastic for meal prepping; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
You can add a cup of frozen peas or corn to the pasta mixture for an easy way to include more vegetables.