Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying, this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake
combines tender rotisserie chicken, rich cream sauce, and hearty egg noodles for the ultimate
weeknight comfort meal.
With smoky bacon crumbles, aromatic garlic, and the bold sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes,
this dish delivers layers of flavor in every bite — all baked to golden perfection.

Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting guests, this casserole-style bake is an
effortless crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough
for Sunday dinner, making it one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

🥓 Meat:

1/4 cup real bacon crumbles – Adds a smoky, savory touch that enhances the overall flavor.
3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken – Tender, juicy, and ready to use, saving time while adding protein.

🌿 Produce:

1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped) – Brings freshness and a bright herbal note.
5 garlic cloves (minced) – Provides rich depth and aromatic flavor.
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) – Offers a tangy sweetness and beautiful color.
1 medium yellow onion (diced) – Adds a subtle sweetness and savory balance to the sauce.

🥣 Canned Goods:

4 cups chicken broth – Serves as the base for the creamy sauce, enriching the flavor profile.

🍜 Pasta & Grains:

1 (16 oz) package frozen egg noodles – Heartier than traditional pasta, they absorb sauce beautifully.

🧂 Baking & Spices:

1 tsp black pepper – Enhances flavor with a mild kick.
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that ties all the Mediterranean flavors together.
1 tsp kosher salt – Balances the rich ingredients and deepens the overall taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a
9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
This ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and achieves that perfect golden crust.

2️⃣ Prepare the Egg Noodles

Cook the frozen egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside. The noodles will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing the creamy sauce.

3️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
This step builds the foundation of your sauce’s flavor.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream,
1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning,
1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes
to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Assemble the Pasta Bake

5️⃣ Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the sautéed garlic, onions,
sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce. Fold in the 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
and 1/4 cup of bacon crumbles, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

6️⃣ Add Fresh Herbs

Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil and fold it into the mixture.
The basil adds a bright, fragrant note that perfectly complements the rich, creamy sauce.

7️⃣ Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish,
spreading it out evenly. This ensures every bite has a balance of noodles, chicken,
and sauce.

8️⃣ Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for a golden, bubbly, and cheesy crust that melts beautifully in the oven.

9️⃣ Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for
25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden,
and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Pro Tips for the Best Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake

Use rotisserie chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor.
Don’t overcook the noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles finish cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce perfectly.
Customize the sauce: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth.
Cheese options: Mix cheddar with mozzarella or Parmesan for a gooey, melty topping.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Serving Suggestions

This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake is rich and flavorful on its own,
but pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the meal:

Fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus
Garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the creamy sauce
A chilled glass of white wine or iced tea to complement the flavors

Whether for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or casual gathering, this pasta bake is easy to prepare,
comforting, and absolutely delicious.

The Story Behind This Dish

The Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of
Italian-inspired flavors and classic comfort food.
It brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and savory bacon
for a hearty, flavorful dish that warms the heart.

This recipe is part of a long tradition of one-dish pasta bakes, which originated as
practical meals that could feed a family while minimizing cleanup.
Over time, home cooks have elevated these casseroles by adding fresh herbs,
flavorful vegetables, and rich cheeses — creating dishes that are both comforting and restaurant-worthy.

Creative Variations

One of the best things about this pasta bake is how versatile it is. Here are some creative ways
to customize it:

Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
Cheesy Medley: Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone with cheddar for an ultra-melty topping.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in baby spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers to increase nutrients and color.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute egg noodles with spiralized zucchini or low-carb pasta for a lighter version.
Herb Variations: Experiment with oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a different Italian flavor profile.

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

The magic of this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake lies in its combination
of textures and flavors. The creamy sauce clings to the tender noodles, the bacon adds a smoky crunch,
and the sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of sweet, tangy flavor.
Every bite is rich, satisfying, and comforting — the perfect definition of comfort food.

It’s also a family-friendly dish. Kids and adults alike enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness,
while the fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes give it a more sophisticated flavor for grown-ups.
It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to serve something hearty and impressive.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake is more than just a recipe —
it’s a celebration of flavors that come together effortlessly.
From the rich cream sauce to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles,
this dish is comforting, versatile, and always crowd-pleasing.

With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s a recipe you can rely on again and again.
Customize it to your taste, serve it with fresh sides, and enjoy a meal that feels homemade and indulgent —
every time.

Comfort, flavor, and family smiles — all baked into one perfect pasta dish.