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Creamy Baked Cavatappi Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 43 reviews

This Cavatappi Chicken Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and cavatappi pasta in a creamy sauce made with condensed soup and chicken broth. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it’s baked until bubbly and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup broccoli, chopped
  • 1/2 pound raw boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 4 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the ingredients: On a cutting board, chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and cut the raw chicken into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
  3. Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  4. Combine all: Stir in the chopped broccoli, raw chicken pieces, and uncooked cavatappi pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring everything is well coated.
  5. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
  6. Bake covered: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the pasta to soften.
  7. Stir and continue baking: Remove the foil carefully, stir the mixture to redistribute ingredients, then cover it again with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked.
  8. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
  9. Final bake: Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes more until the cheese has melted and is slightly bubbly.

Notes

  • You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of celery or mushroom soup for a different flavor.
  • Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level in the dish.
  • Ensure the baking dish is covered tightly with foil during initial baking to trap steam and cook the pasta properly.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor contrast, but you can swap it with mozzarella or a cheese blend if preferred.
  • This recipe works well with either chicken breasts or thighs; adjust cooking times if using larger pieces.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to thicken up before serving.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American