Creamy Baked Chicken Penne Pasta

🍗🧀 Creamy Baked Chicken Penne Pasta

Golden, cheesy, and full of comfort — this oven-baked pasta is packed with juicy chicken, a creamy Alfredo-style sauce, and loads of 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 the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked (about 6–8 mins). Remove from skillet and set aside.

✅️3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the parmesan and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly (3–5 minutes).

✅️4. Mix and Bake

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, stir to combine. Transfer everything into a baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. 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!

💡 5 Tips for Success

↪️1. Don’t overcook the pasta — it will finish cooking in the oven.

↪️2. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

↪️3. Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a boost.

↪️4. Want a crunch? Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.

↪️5. 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. Whether it’s for family dinner or impressing guests, this dish never disappoints. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite!