Creamy Cavatappi Bake with Chicken, Roasted Peppers and Mozzarella

There’s something magical about a bubbly, soul-warming pasta dish that makes any day better. This creamy cavatappi bake combines curly pasta with tender strips of roasted bell pepper, all cloaked in a rich tomato-herb sauce. Topped with fresh mozzarella and a crispy panko crust, it’s broiled to gooey, golden-brown perfection.

This one-pan wonder is guaranteed to satisfy all your carby cravings. With dark meat chicken for extra flavor and a hint of chili flakes for warmth, it’s a hearty meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting hug in a bowl.

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Ingredients

14 ounce Marinara SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Diced Skinless Dark Meat ChickenView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Cavatappi PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce ChivesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Fresh MozzarellaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 400°F. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Halve bell pepper lengthwise; remove stem and seeds. Thinly slice chives. Tear mozzarella into bite-size pieces.
2. Rub each bell pepper half with a drizzle of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet, cut sides down. Roast on top rack until softened and lightly charred, 20-25 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, place 1 TBSP butter in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave until just melted, 30 seconds. Stir in panko and season with salt.
4. Once water is boiling, add cavatappi to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
5. While pasta cooks, heat a large, preferably ovenproof, pan over medium-high heat. Add marinara, ½ cup water, half the chives, a pinch of chili flakes and a big pinch of salt; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer until slightly thickened, 3-5 minutes. Turn off heat; stir in cream cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Once bell pepper is done roasting, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Transfer bell pepper to a cutting board, then thinly slice. Heat broiler to high. Stir sliced bell pepper and drained cavatappi into pan with sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water. Season with salt and pepper. Tip: If your pan isn’t ovenproof, transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle pasta mixture with mozzarella and panko. Broil until cheese melts and panko is golden brown, 2-4 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Sprinkle pasta bake with remaining chives and as many remaining chili flakes as you like. Serve family style or divide between plates.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni or fusilli works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Can I substitute the dark meat chicken?

Absolutely. Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts can be used. Cut into bite-sized pieces and cook through before adding to the sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.