Four Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich and creamy pasta bake made with a four-cheese sauce, chicken, and noodles. Easy to prepare, even better to share.
If you love cheesy pasta dishes, check out my Easy Fettuccine Alfredo, Cheesy Sausage Pasta, or my favorite 30-Minute One Pot Cheesy Pasta.
Also check out a few of my other pasta bakes, like this Chicken Fettuccine Bake, Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake, Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake, and Chicken Tetrazzini Pasta Bake.
Let me start by saying I was not a big cheese fan until I met my husband. His four major food groups in no particular order are meat, ranch dressing, cheese, and more cheese. It doesn’t matter what kind. He’s infamous at Colorado State University for hustling a giant 35 lb. cheese wheel from the staff at the Allison Hall cafeteria, which lasted him and his roommates all of 3 weeks. They even removed the lower two shelves from their fridge for the behemoth cheddar block to reside.
He was also the first person to make me a blue-cheese sauce (for steaks of course) while we were dating. Although I already loved him, this definitely was an added bonus. All our kids, especially our girls, love cheese just as much as Jake if not a little more. But it was a dish at a fancy local restaurant, Jay’s Bistro, which inspired this recipe.
At my sister’s rehearsal dinner a few years ago, we realized there wasn’t a whole lot of kid-friendly selections, so we asked for the lobster mac and cheese, hold the lobster, for our little ones. When it came out, my husband tried it to make sure it wasn’t too hot. He instantly urged me to taste it. We ordered more and ended up eating it all. The kids can have the filet with port demi-glace – we get the mac n’ cheese.
I thought I would try something similar. To add some protein, I substituted chicken for the lobster because it’s such an easy thing to add to any dish. This turned out rich and creamy, and I ended up giving half of it to one of my pregnant friends who is due any day now. She later texted me that her husband ate most of it before dinner, and her two-year-old finished what was left that night.
So just like my husband, here’s a cheesy keeper.
Enjoy! XOXO San
How do you make this Four Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake?
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Heat oven to 350. Spray square 9×9 or oval dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta as directed and drain.
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Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in broth. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; reduce heat to low. Stir in mascarpone, white cheddar cheese, Gouda, parmesan and half-and-half. Allow all cheese to melt and meld together while continuously stirring. Once completely mixed together and cheese is melted, stir in chicken.
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Add pasta to chicken mixture; toss gently to mix well. Spoon into baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered about 15-25 minutes or until hot in the center. Enjoy!
Don’t forget to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board to save for later!
Four Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fusilli Bucati Corti or any desired pasta, boiled to al dente and drained
- 9 tablespoons butter
- 4 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 14.5 ounces chicken broth 14.5 ounces chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup+ 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano grated
- 1 cup+ 2 tablespoons Gouda cheese grated
- 1 cup+ 2 tablespoons sharp white cheddar cheese grated
- 6 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 10 ounces cooked chicken breast sliced or cubed, I like grilled chicken
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese for topping grated
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350. Spray square 9x9 or oval dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta as directed and drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in broth. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; reduce heat to low. Stir in mascarpone, white cheddar cheese, Gouda, parmesan and half-and-half. Allow all cheese to melt and meld together while continuously stirring. Once completely mixed together and cheese is melted, stir in chicken.
- Add pasta to chicken mixture; toss gently to mix well. Spoon into baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered about 15-25 minutes or until hot in the center. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Kids review: Sadly, when I made this all my kids were down with some horrible virus that we picked up while cruisin’ in the Bahamas. There were some leftovers that my daughter Jojo, the cheese addict, was able to try, and she loved it. My husband would always substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the white chicken meat, but he and I inhaled it for dinner, and lunch and dinner the next day it was so good.
Save
Oh my god! I am a cheese addict and I would be all over a dinner like this. Actually, I am going to bookmark this so I can remember to make it sometime SOON.
Oh that looks delicious!!! WOW!! YUM!!!
My husband is also a huge cheese fan and this dish would probably become a favorite of his!
I love pasta dishes. This looks like the ultimate comfort food. Beautiful food photo too.
This looks delicious!! I’m so hungry right now! Lol!
I have not had Fusilli Bucati Corti pasta but will soon.
Oh, yum. This would be a big hit with our whole family! I wonder how long it would take us to go through a huge wedge of cheddar.
Your husband sounds like mine! Ranch and cheese are essentials for my hubby and kids.
yummy, sounds nice and savory! Very rich and creamy!
This is a really good looking dish! I am like your husband i can eat cheese all day all the time.
This looks wonderful Sandra! Have to try it soon.
You had me at cheese… and pasta!
This looks amazingly delicious. I love that it has Gouda and Mascarpone! Pinning now and definitely trying later 🙂 Found you on the “Cast Party Wednesday” link party!
I love cheese. and pasta. when you put them together i’m extra happy!
This looks absolutely delicious. Everyone in my family loves cheese. The more the better!
I’m not usually a fan of chicken with pasta, but this looks good! I think I like it better with a white cheese sauce rather than a red.
That looks darn yummy! I’ll take a plate.
This just may be supper for tomorrow night. Thanks for sharing.
My daughter just made something similar, I’ll have to show her this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
That looks so cheesy and delicious! YUM!
This looks amazing! I would have inhaled this too!
Wow!! This Looks Scrumptious!
This Looks Fantastic!!
Your recipes make me so hungry!! This looks sooooo goooooood. Ugh! Haha I’m going to try it soon.
Very tempting! I love your recipes.
Thanks Amy!!! xo San
Don’t care for gouda what can I substitute
You are lucky, cheese and more cheese is way better than bread and more bread as my hubby prefers 🙂 The dish looks amazing, I’m actually drooling right now and I’ve got no choice but to go and make it myself. I’m not a big cook but this dish sounds really easy to make so I’ll take the chance 🙂
This looks like a GREAT family-friendly recipe!! Thanks for sharing at Wake up Wednesday 🙂
I saw this on your Facebook yesterday and was going to check it out then, but didn’t get a chance. The name alone has my taste buds on alert. Sounds (and looks) absolutely delicious!
Thanks Brandi, so sweet of you for coming by. XO San
Holy cheesiness! I can’t believe you aren’t a big cheese lover. I just can’t imagine life with out cheese 🙂
This pasta bake sounds amazing (I refrained from saying “so gouda”)! I know my family will love it.
This looks oh so good! I just pinned it!
OMG That looks soooooo good 🙂 Thanks for sharing
This looks mouth watering. I absolutely love anything to do with cheese, chicken, and pasta. I’ll add this to my recipes board on Pinterest. Thanks for sharing!
Mmm… this looks incredible. I’m a huge fan of cheese, myself 🙂
I’m SO going to make this, it looks delicious! I would probably use grilled chicken. I’m sure my daughter and husband would love this!
This pasta look fabulous! I’d love for you to come share at Simple Supper Tuesday.
http://www.hunwhatsfordinner.com/2014/03/simple-supper-tuesday-55.html
That looks so good! I love cheese and pasta.
This looks so delicious! We love cheese around here. Thank you for sharing at The Wednesday Round Up and we hope to see you back next week 🙂
Pinned it! mmmmmm cheese and pasta!!
First time visitor from Wine’d Down Wednesday Linky Party 🙂
Thanks for sharing . . . Gina
Cheese, chicken and pasta. My favorite combination 🙂
This looks and sounds delicious, I would add some broccoli for a vegetable in it. But other than that it sounds great as is!
This looks to die for! I will definitely be trying this one out! Thanks for sharing!
This looks so wonderful, Sandra!! I have to try it!
That looks totally yummy!
This is going on my menu!! It looks fantastic!
definately saving this for later!! It looks really good and I love anything with chicken cheese and noodles!
Hi Sandra,
We have a serious cheese addiction in this house, for which we should probably seek counselling, but I think we’ll just make a batch of your delicious-looking recipe instead! Have a great day!
Val
This totally cracked me up! Enjoy! xo San
Ah, such classic combinations & lovely comfort food! 🙂 You’ve done it again, lady; stunning dish!
I love the combination of all these cheeses for your delicious casserole! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Your pasta dish looks great, definitely my kind of meal! I would love to invite you to share your recipe at Meal Planning Monday Recipe link-Up. 🙂 http://www.aprilshomemaking.com/2014/03/meal-planning-monday-recipe-link-up-3.html
I LOVE cheese, and this looks absolutely delish!
How do you think asiago would work in this?
Yes I do, in fact I would make it a 5 cheese pasta bake with that in there! That is my favorite cheese. xo San
I love chicken pastas. This is making me really hungry! Yum!
Thanks Lexie! xo San
I added some spinach, tomatoes, kale and red pepper flakes touch of parsley as well… My son inhaled it… Great recipe!
I made this tonight but used about 2/3 pound of pasta and twice the chicken. It is very decadent and delicious. Could cut back on the butter a little as it was pooling on the top when I took it out of the oven. My whole family really liked it!
I am glad you all like the meal! xo San
I can’t wait to make this tonight! Looks so delicious:) But, I forgot to buy the white cheddar, can I use regular?
Melissa – That is fine. It will change the taste a bit and the color but cheesy pasta will be the end result and that can’t be bad.
Let me know how it turns out. xo San
I am so glad I live in Wisconsin.We have great cheese-yumm.
Holy Cow, I made this for dinner tonight and it was amazing!!! My husband said it’s probably one of the best meals I’ve ever made him! Thank you, and I look forward to trying more of your creations!
is there a different kind of cheese you could use in stead of mascarpone? I have never cooked with that and wonder if I have another cheese on hand that would work. Thanks
Yes, you can try cream cheese. But mascarpone is much creamier and really easy to work with. xo San
Can this dish be baked and frozen?
Made this for dinner tonight. Delicious! Added some Italian seasoning, garlic powder and black pepper at the end. It was definitely a hit in my house!
Thanks Alicia for coming back and letting me know. I love the additional of the Italian seasoning, totally doing that next time. xo San
I made this for my family this morning and we will bake and enjoy it tonight! I added sea salt and black pepper to taste as well as fresh garlic and garlic powder. Can’t wait!
Very nice and tasty pasta. It looks too much mouth watering.
This is a family favorite. I add pepper, garlic powder, and seasoned salt along with diced red peppers, artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes! It’s amazing!!!!
What sort of recipe conversion is this??? 4 tablespoons equal 1/4 cup. To require 3/4 cup + 6 tablespoons is simpler said as ‘1 cup + 2 tablespoons.
Thank you for your insight. I have adjusted the recipe, hope this will help you.
i saw this this morning and started to drool.
Do you put the chicken into the chesse melt raw or do you cook the chicken first?
I made it, but had to substitute cream cheese for mascarpone. I will try bread crumbs mixed in and more chicken. But I have no idea how you were able to fit all of it into a 9×9! Overall tasty. I yielded about 8 servings. Thank you for the recipe!
This was amazing! I didn’t have mascarpone so I had to substitute it with about 3.5 ounces of smoked Gouda and a little extra white cheddar. Definitely going into my recipe book! Thanks!
I made this for my family tonight. They loved it!!!
I am so happy to hear that. xo San
Yesterday I went and bought all the ingredients for this!! Tomorrow is my son’s birthday and I am making this for dinner! I am SO excited and can’t wait to try it!
Oh I am so excited for you! Tell him happy birthday!
What kind of quality is the Gouda you’re using? Good Gouda is a hard texture while cheaper stuff is softer.
I just made this tonight for dinner and the cheese sause OMG to die for keep you posted after dinner
We made this tonight and really enjoyed it. Grated a bunch of cheese by hand yesterday and while it felt labor-intensive then, it truly was not overall. Really only had to do that as wanted to buy the cheese at deli in blocks. By prepping the chicken the night before also, making the sauce and pasta plus baking fairly easy tonight. And the taste was worth it! Thank you for terrific recipe.
So happy to hear Sarah. xo San
Can’t buy marscapone where I live but found a substitute recipe for it online (cream cheese, sour cream, and whipping cream). Was a perfect match! Recipe was a HUGE hit for my family. So good and so easy to make!
Something just happened I think, oh yes, . . . . reality (?) came back to me, or is this just another fantasy???!! 🙂 This will definitely be our house favorite in the likes of Chicken a la King.
Thanks and Blessings
Maranatha
Hugo
I stumbled across this while cruising Pinterest and can’t wait to try it. On a side note, I’m a CSU alum and never heard about the cheese abduction from Allison Hall, so chances are I don’t know your hubby, but GO RAMS!! =)
Are you going to come back and see the new stadium? It’s amazing!
I actually still live in town and work on campus, so I see the stadium construction progress every day! It is going to be fantastic once finished! Are you local?
I made this last night for my family of seven. Loved by all. For the chicken, I made Aldi’s bacon wrapped chicken roast an hour before, then I cut that up and put it in with the cheesy pasta. I forgot the marscapone (Aldi didn’t have it but I was going to sub cream cheese but totally forgot – it was wonderful anyway!) I made broccoli on the side and while eating the leftovers for lunch today, I thought, this recipe could totally take some broccoli inside it and it could bake with the noodles. Mushrooms would be good in it too. The bacon from the bacon wrapped chicken put it over the top. Will totally make again.
cheese chicken pasta is amazing recipes i love to eat in once a week
Just came across this recipe and made it tonight for dinner. Absolutely amazing. Thanks.
What an awsome meal….we own a cheese factory and this is IT! Thank you….
And a bigger thank you to your cheese mad hubby…..I love cheese as much as he does.
Stumbled across this a year ago and just got around to making it. Absolutely delicious. Mixed it up with a healthy dose of spicy Cajun seasoning for the chicken. This may very well be one of my new favorite dishes. Thank you for sharing the recipe!