🧀 Creamy Baked Chicken Penne Pasta
Golden, cheesy, and full of comfort — this oven-baked pasta is loaded with juicy chicken, creamy Alfredo-style sauce, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for when you want something rich, warm, and irresistibly good!
🛒 Ingredients
◾️ For the Chicken:
✅️ 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes
✅️ 1 tbsp olive oil
✅️ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✅️ 1/2 tsp garlic powder
✅️ Salt & black pepper, to taste
◾️ For the Pasta:
✅️ 10 oz penne pasta
✅️ 2 cups heavy cream
✅️ 3 garlic cloves, minced
✅️ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
✅️ 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
✅️ 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
✅️ 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
▶️ 1. Cook the Pasta
Boil penne in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
▶️ 2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
▶️ 3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream, bring to gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella. Let sauce thicken slightly (3–5 minutes).
▶️ 4. Mix and Bake
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, stir to combine. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden.
▶️ 5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
💡 Tips for Success
✅️ Don’t overcook the pasta — it will finish cooking in the oven.
✅️ Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
✅️ Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a boost.
✅️ Want a crunch? Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
✅️ Reheat like a pro — cover with foil and warm in the oven to keep it creamy.
◾️ Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
This baked penne pasta is comfort food at its finest. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests — once you try it, it might just become your new favorite!
