Cheesy Italian Chicken Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

By Lilo On Jun 2, 2025

This Cheesy Italian Chicken Bake Is the Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed

When you’re craving something hearty, rich, and undeniably comforting, this Cheesy Italian Chicken Bake delivers on every level. It combines tender chunks of chicken, flavorful Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and al dente pasta, all smothered in tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a meal that brings the warmth of Italy straight to your table—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potluck gatherings.

Why This Dish Works

This bake is a satisfying one-dish wonder. The mix of proteins, vegetables, and pasta provides a balanced base, while the tomato sauce and cheese add comforting layers of flavor. It’s versatile too—swap in your favorite pasta, cheese, or veggies depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

1 lb. pasta (cooked al dente, any type)
2 jars spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 onion, chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces
1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prep the other ingredients.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté the Meats

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Cook the chicken pieces until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Do the same for the sausage.

4. Cook the Veggies

Using the same pan, sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened and slightly caramelized.

5. Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meats, vegetables, spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated in sauce.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Serve

Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil for a pop of color.

Tips for Best Results

Choose pasta wisely: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal for soaking up the sauce.
Upgrade your cheese: Try adding provolone or a sprinkle of parmesan.
Make ahead: You can prep the dish in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Freeze leftovers: This bake freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven after thawing overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with:

A crisp green salad
Crusty garlic bread
A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 550
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g

Note: Actual values will vary depending on exact ingredients and portions used.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Italian Chicken Bake hits all the right notes: comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or bringing a dish to share, this crowd-pleaser is always a welcome addition. Try it once, and it just might become a regular in your rotation.