If youโre looking for the perfect balance between comfort food and fresh, vibrant flavors, this Chicken Primavera Pasta Bake is a must-try. Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this baked pasta dish brings together the best of both worldsโrich and hearty, yet light and fresh. ‘Primavera’ means spring, and this dish truly celebrates that with a mix of seasonal vegetables like asparagus, spinach, peas, and tomatoes, all baked into a golden, bubbly casserole.

โค๏ธ Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
- Loaded with fresh vegetables
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- Golden, crispy topping for added texture
This dish combines juicy chicken, pasta, and fresh veggies in a creamy sauce topped with breadcrumbs and cheese, making it both satisfying and balanced.
๐ Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ยฝ lbs chicken breast (cubed)
- 12 oz pasta (cavatappi or similar)
- 1 cup asparagus (chopped)
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups peas
Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cups milk
- ยพ cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ยผ cup butter
- ยผ cup flour
Flavor & Topping:
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (divided)
- โ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil & oregano
- Salt & black pepper
๐ The combination of vegetables and creamy sauce creates a rich yet fresh flavor profile.
๐จโ๐ณ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan and cook chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked.
Step 3: Sautรฉ Vegetables
Add asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, and peas. Cook until slightly tender but still vibrant.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
In the same pan:
- Melt butter
- Stir in flour to form a roux
- Add milk and chicken broth
- Mix in cream cheese until smooth
Step 5: Combine Everything
Mix together:
- Cooked pasta
- Chicken
- Vegetables
- Creamy sauce
Step 6: Assemble & Top
Transfer to a baking dish and top with:
- Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) until bubbly and golden on top (about 20โ25 minutes).
๐ The topping becomes crispy while the inside stays creamy and rich.
Read Also: Mini Chicken Pot Pies Recipe
๐ฅ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~466 kcal
- Protein: ~35 g
- Fat: ~22 g
- Carbohydrates: ~32 g
๐ This dish provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables.
๐ก Tips for the Best Pasta Bake
- Cook pasta slightly underdoneโit finishes in the oven
- Use fresh vegetables for better texture
- Donโt skip the breadcrumb topping for crunch
- Let it rest before serving for easier slicing
๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread
- Pair with a fresh green salad
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness
- Top with extra Parmesan before serving
Read Also: Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
๐ง Storage Tips
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat in oven for best texture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | ~45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Temperature | 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) |
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 ยฝ lbs |
| Pasta | 12 oz |
| Asparagus | 1 cup |
| Spinach | 2 cups |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Peas | 2 cups |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | ยพ cup |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz |
| Butter | ยผ cup |
| Flour | ยผ cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Panko breadcrumbs | โ cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Basil & oregano | To taste |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook pasta until al dente |
| 2 | Cook chicken until golden |
| 3 | Sautรฉ vegetables |
| 4 | Make creamy sauce |
| 5 | Combine pasta, chicken & sauce |
| 6 | Transfer to baking dish |
| 7 | Add cheese & breadcrumbs |
| 8 | Bake until golden (20โ25 min) |
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~466 kcal |
| Protein | ~35 g |
| Carbs | ~32 g |
| Fat | ~22 g |
Read Also: Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

