Name: Creamy Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500g pasta (any long or short pasta except risoni/orzo); 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water); 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder); 5 tbsp flour (any type); 5 cups (1.25 litres) milk (any fat, dairy or non-dairy); 2 tsp stock or bouillon powder (chicken or vegetable); 3/4 cup (75g) parmesan; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp each dried thyme and dried parsley (optional); OR 1/2 tsp each mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion powder (optional); Cooked chicken, canned tuna or salmon, vegetables (up to 8 cups total); 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking raw add-ins); Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (any melting cheese)

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A versatile, comforting creamy pasta bake that you can customize with the ingredients you already have on hand. Built on a luscious white sauce, this bake works beautifully with chicken, fish, and a wide range of vegetables—fresh, frozen, canned, roasted, or sautéed. It’s simple, flexible, and perfect for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy pasta bake is built around a reliable formula that allows you to adapt the dish to whatever ingredients you have available. The white sauce is rich yet easy to prepare, and the pasta bakes into a golden, bubbly casserole with a satisfying texture. Whether you’re using cooked chicken, canned tuna, sautéed vegetables, or roasted produce, this recipe provides dependable results every time. It’s also great for meal prep, reheats beautifully, and freezes well.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

500g pasta (any long or short pasta except risoni/orzo)
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

Creamy Sauce
4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
5 tbsp flour (any type)
5 cups (1.25 litres) milk (any fat, dairy or non-dairy)
2 tsp stock or bouillon powder (chicken or vegetable)
3/4 cup (75g) parmesan
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp each dried thyme and dried parsley (optional)
OR
1/2 tsp each mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion powder (optional)

Add-Ins (choose up to 8 cups total)
Cooked chicken
Canned tuna or salmon
Fresh, frozen, canned, or pickled vegetables (such as peas, corn, carrots, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower)

For Cooking Raw Add-Ins
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper

Cheesy Topping
2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (any melting cheese)

Directions

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
If Using Raw Meat or Vegetables:
Heat half the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Sauté garlic for 10 seconds.
Add raw chicken or raw vegetables and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until fully done.
Add the remaining butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the flour.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
If using only no-cook add-ins, begin here. Melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 10 seconds, then stir in flour.
Pour in about one-third of the milk while stirring continuously. Once smooth, add the remaining milk.
Add stock powder, parmesan, pepper, and optional herbs or seasonings.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Assemble:
Combine the pasta, sauce, and any no-cook add-ins (such as canned tuna, cooked chicken, olives, or thawed vegetables).
Transfer to a large baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
Bake:
Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 8 people.
Prep time: approximately 15 minutes
Cook time: approximately 25 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes

Variations

Chicken and Vegetable Bake: Combine cooked chicken with broccoli, peas, and carrots.
Tuna and Corn Pasta Bake: Mix canned tuna with corn, peas, and sliced onions.
Herb Vegetable Bake: Use roasted zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and eggplant for a deeper flavor.
Creamy Spinach Pasta Bake: Add plenty of fresh or frozen spinach for a greener, lighter version.
Fish and Leek Bake: Use white fish flakes with leeks and mixed vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven until warm.
Freezing: Freeze fully assembled (unbaked) pasta bake for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake for 30 minutes, or bake from frozen—covered for 50 minutes, then uncovered until golden. Cooked leftovers also freeze well.
Tip: If preparing ahead, toss the hot pasta with a small amount of butter or oil to keep it from absorbing too much sauce.

FAQs

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Undercook it by 2 minutes; it will finish cooking in the oven.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use non-dairy milk and substitute the cheese with a dairy-free melting cheese.

What vegetables work best in this bake?

Any vegetables—fresh, frozen, roasted, or canned—such as broccoli, peas, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

Can I use canned fish?

Yes, canned tuna or salmon work perfectly and require no pre-cooking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead?

Yes, assemble it ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What pasta shapes work best?

Any long or short pasta except risoni/orzo. Penne, rigatoni, shells, bow ties, or spaghetti all work.

Can I omit the cheese?

You can reduce it or replace it with more herbs, but cheese adds richness and creaminess.

How thick should the sauce be?

It should coat the back of a spoon and continue to thicken in the oven.

Can I add spices?

Yes, paprika, chili flakes, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder all work well.

What proteins are suitable?

Chicken, turkey, canned tuna, canned salmon, or cooked fish pieces are all excellent options.

Conclusion

This creamy pasta bake “formula” gives you the freedom to create a hearty, satisfying meal using whatever ingredients you have. With a reliable creamy sauce and endless add-in options, it’s a versatile dish that delivers consistent comfort every time. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, pantry fish, or a mix of vegetables, this bake is sure to become a dependable favorite in your kitchen.