Chicken and Pasta Vodka Sauce Casserole

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This casserole checks all the boxes for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal made at home.

Simple ingredients - You'll recognize everything on the ingredient list, and many of them are pantry or fridge staples.

Easy to make - No boiling pasta first. Just mix everything together, bake, and finish with cheese.

Satisfying comfort food - Creamy vodka sauce, chicken, pasta, and melty cheese make this a hearty, filling dish.

Great for weekday meals - It's simple enough for a weeknight and one the family will look forward to.

Ingredients and Their Part in the Casserole

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating this creamy, baked chicken alla vodka casserole. Here's what you'll need:

• Rotini pasta - Holds onto the sauce and gives the casserole structure.
• Cooked chicken - Adds protein and makes the dish hearty and filling.
• Frozen peas - Bring color and a touch of sweetness.
• Bacon - Adds smoky, savory flavor throughout the casserole.
• Garlic - Boosts flavor and complements the vodka sauce.
• Vodka sauce - The creamy tomato base that ties everything together.
• Chicken stock - Helps cook the pasta and keeps the casserole saucy.
• Half-and-half - Adds extra creaminess to the sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese - Melts beautifully and creates a gooey topping.

How to Make Chicken and Vodka Sauce Casserole

This chicken with vodka sauce bake comes together easily with minimal prep. Here's what to do:

Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a deep 9x13-inch casserole with nonstick spray.

1. Place 12-16 ounces uncooked rotini, 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken, 10 ounces frozen peas, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and crumbled cooked bacon in the casserole dish. Note: The lower amount of pasta will give you a creamier result.
2. Pour in 24 ounces vodka sauce, 2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup half and half.
3. Stir well. Cover the dish and bake 40-45 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
4. Sprinkle with 2 cups mozzarella cheese.

5. Return to oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese has melted. Garnish with chopped basil and serve Parmesan cheese on the side.

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

This casserole is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

• Bacon - Swap with pancetta or prosciutto for a slightly different flavor.
• Chicken - Use browned ground beef, cooked Italian sausage, or leftover turkey.
• Mozzarella cheese - Try provolone, an Italian cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or Fontina.
• Parmesan cheese - Substitute Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or Asiago.
• Pasta - Use penne, farfalle, rigatoni, or ziti instead of rotini.
• Peas - Replace peas with broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach.

What to serve with the casserole

This casserole is rich and hearty, so lighter sides pair perfectly with it.

• Roasted Parmesan Broccoli adds a crisp, cheesy veggie side.
• Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini is quick, light, and flavorful.
• Roasted Vegetable Salad balances the creaminess with fresh flavors.
• Focaccia is perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.

How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.

More Italian-Inspired Casserole Recipes

If you love baked pasta and cozy casseroles, here are more delicious options to try.

• Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole is creamy, comforting, and family-friendly.
• Gnocchi Ham Gratin is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
• Ground Beef Stuffed Shells are hearty and perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Meatball Casserole is loaded with flavor and melty cheese.
• Pizza Pasta Casserole is a fun twist on classic pizza night.

Find lots of easy casserole recipes right here on 2CM!