Dinner

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta Bake with 35g Protein Recipe

ByLila Prescott September 14, 2026September 14, 2026

Introduction

This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, high-protein pasta, and a rich tomato basil sauce, it’s both satisfying and flavorful.

A white square dish filled with baked rotini pasta covered in melted cheese that stretches as a portion is lifted by a woman's hand. The pasta is coated in a rich red tomato sauce with visible chunks of herbs and small green leaves sprinkled on top. The cheese layer is thick and bubbly, golden brown in spots, creating a textured surface. The background shows a soft white marbled texture and blurred window light behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or Banza penne/rotini)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1.5 cups full-fat (4%) cottage cheese, blended completely smooth
1 cup thick marinara or tomato basil sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.

Step 3: In a blender or food processor, pulse the cottage cheese until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce mixture and toss until well coated.

Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 8: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a mild kick.
Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Mix in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.

Leftover baked pasta can be portioned and frozen before baking for a ready-to-go meal.

Storage

Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A white rectangular dish filled with layers of baked pasta, showing a base of cooked spiraled noodles coated in rich red tomato sauce. On top, there is a thick layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with visible stretchiness as a woman's hand lifts a portion of the pasta, pulling long, gooey cheese strands upwards. Small green herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a softly blurred background of window light and flowers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, but high-protein pasta works well to keep the dish filling and nutritious.

Is it necessary to blend the cottage cheese?

Blending cottage cheese makes the sauce creamy and smooth, enhancing the texture of the bake, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use it as is.