Zucchini Chicken Pasta Bake

Zucchini chicken pasta bake is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines the best of both worlds: the richness of a pasta bake with the fresh, healthy twist of zucchini. This dish is perfect for those looking for a lower-carb alternative to traditional pasta bakes, while still enjoying a comforting, cheesy, and filling meal.

The base of this bake features tender, seasoned chicken pieces, which add protein and flavor to the dish. The chicken is often sautéed or roasted until golden brown and juicy, and then combined with thinly sliced zucchini that mimics the texture of pasta without the extra carbs. Zucchini’s mild flavor allows it to absorb all the savory elements of the dish, creating a wonderful balance between the vegetables and meat.

The zucchini and chicken are layered with a rich, creamy sauce, often made with a combination of cheese, sour cream, and herbs. The sauce adds richness to the dish, binding everything together and giving it that classic, comforting texture. Mozzarella cheese is typically sprinkled on top, melting into a gooey, golden layer that makes every bite satisfying. Parmesan cheese can also be added for a sharp, salty flavor that perfectly complements the zucchini and chicken.

Baking the dish in the oven allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a casserole-like meal that’s both hearty and healthy. The zucchini softens as it bakes, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and the chicken, while the top becomes beautifully golden and crisp.

Zucchini chicken pasta bake is an incredibly versatile dish. You can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or even swap out the chicken for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a meal prep for the week, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of a pasta bake without the heaviness of traditional noodles.

Zucchini Chicken Pasta Bake

3.59 from 36 votes

A delicious and hearty pasta dish combining zucchini, chicken, and cheesy goodness baked to perfection.

Servings 1 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound chicken breast cubed
• 2 cups zucchini sliced
• 8 ounces pasta penne or fusilli
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
• Add the minced garlic and sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 36gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Calories: 450kcal

Meal Type: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: chicken, cooking, pasta

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Nut-free

Time: >45 Min

Level: Easy

Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!

Tater Tot Casserole

A hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots, baked to perfection for a delicious meal.

Check out this recipe

Bacon and Hashbrown Casserole

A delicious and savory casserole perfect for breakfast or brunch, combining crispy bacon, hashbrowns, and cheese into a comforting dish.

Check out this recipe

Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Casserole

This Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a creamy and cheesy dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Check out this recipe

Hamburger Casserole

This Hamburger Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish made with layers of ground beef, pasta, and cheese baked to perfection.

Check out this recipe

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and simple dish combining baked feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and pasta, delivering a delightful and easy-to-make meal.

Check out this recipe

Sausage and Kale Pasta Bake

A hearty and comforting pasta dish with savory sausage, tender kale, and a cheesy crust.

Check out this recipe

Baked Vodka Sauce Gnocchi

A creamy and delicious baked pasta dish featuring fluffy gnocchi smothered in a rich vodka sauce, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection.

Check out this recipe

Baked Mushroom Chicken

This Baked Mushroom Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and baked to perfection.

Check out this recipe

Taco Gnocchi Bake

Taco Gnocchi Bake is a delicious and hearty meal combining the flavors of a traditional taco with the comfort of a gnocchi bake.

Check out this recipe

Baked Spaghetti

A classic comfort food dish where spaghetti is baked with a savory meat sauce and topped with melted cheese.

Check out this recipe