30 Minute Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Some of the best dinners I’ve ever made didn’t start with a recipe.They started with me staring into my fridge, wondering what in the world I could throw together before everyone got hangry.

This baked chicken pasta was one of those nights.I had leftover rotisserie chicken, half a jar of pesto, some bacon jam that needed using, and a jar of alfredo sauce just hanging out in the pantry. Add in a box of pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella… and suddenly, dinner magic was happening.

It’s creamy. It’s bacon-y. It tastes like you planned it days in advance, but really, it’s just about working with what you’ve got.

Why I Love This Recipe

Cooking with what’s on hand is one of the best skills you can have in the kitchen. It saves money, cuts down on waste, and keeps weeknight dinners stress-free. Plus, it pushes you to get a little creative.This recipe is proof that “necessity” meals can turn into family favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz pasta (any shape you have)

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

• 1 jar (about 15 oz) alfredo sauce

• 3 tablespoons pesto

• 2 tablespoons bacon jam (or 4–5 slices cooked, crumbled bacon)

• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (I love using Good Seasons)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  
  

How to Make It

1. Cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Mix it up In a large baking dish, combine pasta, chicken, alfredo sauce, pesto, bacon jam (or bacon), sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is coated in that creamy sauce.

3. Top it off with shredded mozzarella.

4. Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

5. Serve & enjoy preferably with a big green salad or some crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

   
   

Tips & Swaps

• No bacon jam? Crispy crumbled bacon works perfectly.

• Swap mozzarella for provolone or parmesan if that’s what’s in the fridge.

• Toss in a handful of spinach or frozen peas to sneak in some greens.

Final Thoughts

This baked chicken pasta is proof that you don’t need a fancy plan or a special trip to the store to make something that tastes amazing. Sometimes, the best recipes are hiding in your fridge right now.