Why This Chicken Pasta Bake Is a Must-Try!
This isn’t just any chicken pasta bake—it’s a French onion-infused, cheese-loaded delight that will instantly become a staple in your kitchen. Here’s why:
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
- Full of Flavour – French onion soup mix gives it a rich, deep taste with minimal effort.
- Creamy & Cheesy – The perfect mix of cream cheese and melted cheddar makes it extra indulgent.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Customisable – Swap the pasta, add more veggies, or switch up the cheese to suit your taste.
If you love baked pasta dishes, this one is sure to become a family favourite! 😍
The Secret to the Best Chicken Pasta Bake
The magic of this French onion chicken pasta bake comes from one simple ingredient: French onion soup mix. It’s the perfect shortcut to an ultra-rich, savoury sauce that tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. When mixed with cream cheese and melty cheddar, it creates a creamy, luscious texture that coats every bite of pasta and chicken.
What Makes This Recipe Extra Special?
- Double Cheese Power – Cream cheese for smoothness + cheddar for that perfect cheese pull.
- Juicy Chicken Thighs – More flavourful and tender than chicken breast.
- Loaded with Veggies – Zucchini and capsicum add colour, texture, and nutrients.
- Golden, Bubbly Cheese Topping – Because a pasta bake isn’t complete without that crispy, melted cheese layer on top!
This dish is effortless yet impressive, making it perfect for any occasion.
How to Make This Chicken Pasta Bake Extra Delicious
Want to take your French onion chicken pasta bake from good to next-level amazing? Here are my best tips:
- Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavour – Cooking the chicken until golden brown adds a delicious caramelised taste.
- Boost the Seasoning – The soup mix is salty, but adding a touch of garlic powder and black pepper enhances the flavour even more.
- Use a Cheese Blend – A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan gives you the best balance of creaminess and stretchiness.
- Deglaze with White Wine – Adding a splash of wine when cooking the veggies deepens the flavour beautifully.
- Top with Buttery Breadcrumbs – Sprinkle panko mixed with melted butter over the cheese for an irresistible crispy topping.
With these tricks, your chicken pasta bake will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).
What to Serve with French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake
This chicken pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a side makes it even better.
- Fresh Green Salad – A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Garlic Bread – Because extra carbs are never a bad idea.
- A Glass of Chardonnay – The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs beautifully with a dry white wine.
- Chilli Flakes or Hot Sauce – If you like a little heat, sprinkle some over the top before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about this French onion chicken pasta bake is that it stores beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- In the Freezer: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheat: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy. Bake at 180°C for 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
Pro tip: If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
More Chicken Recipes to Try
If you love chicken dishes, here are a few more must-try recipes:
Try them out and let me know which one’s your favourite! 😍
Invite to Share
I can’t wait for you to try this French onion chicken pasta bake! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavour—everything you want in a comforting dinner. If you make it, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff I’d love to see your delicious creations!
Happy cooking! ❤️
Chicken Pasta Bake
- Get Cheesy with This French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a pan with a little olive oil, toss in the chicken and one sachet of French onion soup mix, and cook until golden.
- Add the zucchini and capsicum and cook until just soft.
- Stir in the second sachet of soup mix and water, then let it bubble away for a few minutes.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Mix in the cooked pasta, spread it out in a baking dish, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
Video
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work great because they hold onto the creamy sauce. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti for this bake.
Yes! Just swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free French onion soup mix.