Chicken Cauliflower Pasta Bake (Ready in 10 Mins)

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Introducing the chicken cauliflower pasta bake – a savory and scrumptious dish that will have everyone begging for seconds. With succulent chicken breasts and pasta cooked to perfection, it gives you the perfect al dente bite in every spoonful. The flavors are robust yet balanced, delivering a unique taste you won’t soon forget.

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Chicken Cauliflower Pasta Bake
What Should I Serve with Chicken Cauliflower Pasta Bake?
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Chicken Cauliflower Pasta
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Chicken Cauliflower Pasta Bake

Chicken Cauliflower Pasta Bake

This dish is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. It's easy to make and so delicious. Plus, it's a great way to sneak some veggies into your menu that even the kids will love it!

Chicken cauliflower pasta bake is packed with flavor and so easy to make, you are going to keep it in your meal plan rotation every month. The combination of chicken and pasta has always been a classic, but mix in the cauliflower and you have nutrients, fiber, and flavor you will love.

Want to add more cauliflower to your menu? Check out this recipe for ham and cauliflower casserole.

chicken and cauliflower pasta bake in white and red baking dish on cutting board

What Should I Serve with Chicken Cauliflower Pasta Bake?

This casserole is great when paired with a green vegetable, like this asparagus casserole or sautéed spinach. Glazed carrots are another great-tasting option.

You can also serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, rolls, or crusty bread to make it a complete meal. Another option is adding some roasted broccoli along with the cauliflower already in the dish.

black and white bowl of chicken cauliflower pasta on table by casserole dish

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45g)
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 teaspoons chili flakes (7.5g)
1 pound cauliflower florets (500g)
½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
10 oz penne pasta, cooked (300g dry)
1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken breasts (203g)
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (45g)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (170g)

Handy Kitchen Tools

white baking dish filled with chicken cauliflower pasta topped with melted cheese sitting on wooden cutting board

How to Make Chicken Cauliflower Pasta

Video Directions:

Start by cooking the chicken breasts and shredding or dicing them into small bite-sized pieces. You can also use a rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken for this recipe. Then, preheat the oven to 410°F/210°C and spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray, then set it aside.

Now, cook the pasta for ½ the time shown on the package. Drain it and set it aside.

Melt the butter over medium heat in a small skillet then add in the garlic and chili flakes. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Then, pour it into a small bowl and set it aside for later.

vegetables being sauteed in skillet on hot plate

In a large stockpot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes.

Now you will make the sauce by combining the cooked and drained cauliflower, chili garlic butter mixture, heavy cream, and parmesan in a blender or food processor. Pulse the mixture until no lumps remain and you have a smooth sauce.

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cauliflower sauce, chicken, and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. Then, pour this into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

glass bowl of chicken and pasta being mixed

Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.

hands holding white baking dish of casserole covered with shredded cheese

Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown on top.

white and red baking dish of chicken cauliflower pasta with spoon in side of pan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken For This Casserole?

Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Using precooked chicken is a huge time saver when making this casserole. Just shred the chicken, add it to your dish and you're ready to go.

If you are someone who likes to cook once and eat twice, cook the chicken earlier in the week for another recipe and then use half of it for this one too.

How Long is Chicken Cauliflower Pasta Good For?

Once the chicken cauliflower pasta has cooled, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 5 days when stored properly. This is a meal that can be frozen for later if you will not finish it before it goes bad.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time and Freeze It?

This casserole makes a great freezer meal. When I am making this recipe, I like to double it and place half of it in a disposable casserole pan.

Before the baking step, I let it cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw the casserole and bake according to the recipe instructions.

baking dish of chicken cauliflower pasta bake on cutting board on gray table

More Easy Chicken Recipes

Chicken is a perfect affordable protein that many add to their meal plan regularly. If you are tired of the same old recipes, then you will love these ideas. You have classic comfort foods alongside fun spins on classics. Take a minute to check them out then bookmark your favorites. You can also print out the recipes or pin them to Pinterest to make soon!

Yield: 6

Chicken Cauliflower Pasta Bake

Get your fill of comfort food with this hearty chicken cauliflower pasta bake. Filled with tender chicken, creamy cauliflower, and a blend of cheeses, it's a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45g)
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 teaspoons chili flakes (7.5g)
1 pound cauliflower florets (500g)
½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
10 oz penne pasta, cooked (300g dry)
1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken breasts (203g)
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (45g)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (170g)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 410°F/210°C and spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray, then set it aside.
In a large stockpot, bring salted water to a boil then add the penne pasta and cook it for ½ the suggested cooking time on the package. Drain and set aside.
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and chili flakes to the pan, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Pour this mixture into a small bowl and set it aside.
In a large stockpot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
Now, put the cauliflower, prepared chili garlic butter, heavy cream, and parmesan into a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth and no lumps remain.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cauliflower sauce, chicken, and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella.
Then, pour this into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and bake for 10 minutes until golden brown on top.