Creamy Chicken, Veggie & Corn Pasta Bake

This Creamy Chicken, Veggie & Corn Pasta Bake is my own original creation, developed to deliver the perfect balance of comfort and flavor in every bite. From the tender chicken thighs to the sweet corn, shredded carrots, and crisp broccoli, each ingredient is thoughtfully combined for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner. What really elevates this cheesy pasta bake is the topping—a crunchy layer of seasoned breadcrumbs and melted shredded cheese that turns golden and crisp in the oven. The contrast between the creamy, savory pasta and the crispy topping makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight casserole, a cozy make-ahead dinner, or a new way to use vegetables in a chicken pasta recipe, this bake delivers. It’s a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Creamy Chicken, Veggie & Corn Pasta Bake

with Crispy Cheese and Crumb Topping

Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: ~1 hour

Ingredients

For the Bake:

500–600 g (1.1–1.3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes
2 medium carrots, shredded
2 cups (about 150 g / 5 oz) broccoli, chopped into small florets
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Kernels from 2 ears of corn (or about 1½ cups / 240 g)
300 g (10.5 oz) tortiglioni or curly pasta (e.g. fusilli); I used Lancia tortiglioni
1 jar (400–500 ml / 1¾–2 cups) of cream sauce — such as a rich Classico Extra Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce for a velvety, flavorful base
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard or 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

1¼ cups (125 g) Abigail’s Kitchen Italian-Style Bread Crumbs (or another brand of seasoned bread crumbs)
1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) grated marble cheese, or any cheese of your choice

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F), or 170°C (340°F) for fan-assisted ovens.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (approx. 23×33 cm) baking dish.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions).
Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cubed chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Cook for 6–8 minutes, until chicken is lightly golden and cooked through.
Add shredded carrots, chopped broccoli, and corn kernels.
Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender and the corn begins to caramelize slightly.

4. Combine with Sauce & Pasta

Turn off the heat and stir in:
- The cooked pasta
- The jar of cream sauce
- Dijon mustard or lemon juice (if using)
Mix until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Assemble the Bake

Transfer the creamy chicken-veggie-pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle evenly with grated cheese.
Top with seasoned breadcrumbs.

6. Bake

If making ahead and baking from chilled:

Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes to ensure the dish is fully warmed through.
Then cover with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

If baking immediately after assembly (while still hot):

Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling around the edges.

7. Cool & Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and extra Parmesan if desired.

🌽 Pro Tip:

To deepen the flavor, briefly char the corn kernels in a dry skillet before adding them to the pan. This adds a subtle roasted taste that elevates the dish.

Assembling this creamy chicken, veggie, and corn pasta bake is one of the most rewarding steps—especially when using a clear 9×13-inch Pyrex baking dish. After stirring together the tender sautéed chicken thighs, sweet carrots, vibrant broccoli florets, fresh corn, and perfectly cooked tortiglioni pasta with a rich Classico Extra Creamy Alfredo sauce, I gently pour the mixture into the greased Pyrex pan. The transparency of the dish lets you admire every delicious layer and makes it easy to spot those bubbling, golden edges as it bakes to perfection.

Topping the casserole is the best part! I scatter a generous layer of shredded cheese over the pasta, followed by seasoned Italian breadcrumbs for that irresistible crispy crust. Whether you’re making this hearty pasta casserole for a cozy family dinner or prepping it ahead for a weeknight meal, using Pyrex ensures even heat distribution and keeps everything warm longer after baking. Unlike metal pans that can overbrown or affect flavor, Pyrex offers clear results every time—literally! As I always say, “With Pyrex, what you see is what you get—and what you get is bubbling, golden, comfort food heaven.”

When this creamy chicken, veggie, and corn pasta bake emerges from the oven, it’s a golden, bubbling masterpiece—oozing melted cheese with crispy edges and a perfectly toasted breadcrumb topping that adds irresistible crunch. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in! But trust me, letting it rest for 5 to 10 minutes is key. This brief pause allows the rich Alfredo sauce to thicken and settle, making it easier to serve neat, hearty portions and intensifying the blend of savory flavors. Patience here rewards you with a casserole that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

For the perfect finish to your meal, pair this cozy pasta bake with a warm slice of Rustic Blueberry Peach Apple Cobbler. The juicy, sweet fruit and buttery crumble topping provide an ideal contrast, rounding out your dinner with a delightful homemade dessert that’s sure to impress!

This creamy chicken, veggie, and corn pasta bake is a truly irresistible comfort food, bursting with cheesy goodness and rich, savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend meals, this versatile casserole is a family favorite that’s both simple to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Customize it with your favorite pasta shapes—whether penne, rotini, or shells—and elevate the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, plus a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra flavor boost. If you’re craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing baked pasta recipe that’s full of wholesome ingredients and crave-worthy taste, this one is sure to become your new go-to classic!