Cheesy Chicken Meatballs Pasta Bake

Servings: 3 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, nestled over pasta and blanketed in gooey melted cheese — cozy, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights.
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Temp: 74  C Servings: 3 Estimated Cost: $ 13 Calories: 570
Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

This cheesy chicken meatball pasta bake is a warm hug in a skillet. It features juicy meatballs made from lean ground chicken and sweet corn, cooked right on top of saucy pasta and melted cheese. One pot, one lid, tons of comfort. Even kids will clean their plates.

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

For the Chicken Meatballs:

For the Pasta & Sauce:

For the Topping:

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

  1. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Cook penne pasta until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

  1. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, sweet corn, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix well and form 6 evenly sized meatballs.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

  1. In a deep skillet, heat 1 tsp olive oil and sauté chopped onion until soft.
  2. Add canned tomatoes and let simmer for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in pasta sauce and a splash of water. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Pasta & Meatballs

  1. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  2. Gently place raw chicken meatballs on top of the pasta and cover with a lid.
  3. Let it cook on low heat for 8–10 minutes or until meatballs are fully cooked through.

Step 5: Cheese Time!

  1. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
  2. Cover again and let the cheese melt — about 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle dried oregano or parsley flakes on top.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3

Serving Size ~1–2 (meatballs + pasta + sauce)


Amount Per Serving
Calories 570kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 660mg28%
Potassium 550mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 6g
Protein 38g76%

Vitamin A 950 IU
Vitamin C 6 mg
Calcium 240 mg
Iron 2.5 mg
Vitamin D 15 IU
Vitamin E 1.6 IU
Folate 60 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

🔁 Tips & Swaps

  • Swap corn with peas or grated zucchini.
  • Use cheddar or provolone for a different cheesy vibe.
  • Double the meatball portion to serve more people.
  • Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Keywords: chicken meatball pasta bake, one pot cheesy pasta, easy comfort food dinner, kid-friendly pasta dish, tomato chicken pasta skillet
Rate this recipe:

💛 Why You’ll Love It

  • Comforting and kid-approved
  • One pan, zero fuss
  • Cheesy, hearty, and flavorful
  • Great for chilly evenings or cozy nights in
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works great — just cook thoroughly.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes. Assemble everything (except cheese), store in the fridge, then reheat and melt cheese before serving.

What pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, rotini — anything short and sturdy.

Can I bake it instead?

Yes. Assemble everything in an oven-safe dish, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Shopie Lane

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I’m Sophie Lane — a food lover, curious traveler, and storyteller at heart. I’m passionate about inspiring others to live healthier, happier lives through simple, nourishing meals and mindful exploration of the world.

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