Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
Indulge in the comfort of a hearty **Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake**, a crowd-pleasing casserole that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. Topped with a luscious layer of bubbling mozzarella and nutty parmesan, this dish is baked to golden perfection, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow, ready in just one hour, and serves four generously. Garnished with fresh basil for a pop of freshness, this pasta bake pairs beautifully with a green side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly cheesy, it’s a dinner you’ll return to again and again! Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake, creamy pasta casserole, easy family dinner recipes, baked pasta dish, chicken and cheese recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams chicken breast
- 300 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 400 grams chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 200 milliliters heavy cream
- 200 grams, grated mozzarella cheese
- 50 grams, grated parmesan cheese
- 10 grams, for garnish fresh basil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, then add the cooked pasta and chicken pieces. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
788 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.0 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.3 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 207 mg | 69% | |
| Sodium | 994 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.3 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 59.2 g | 118% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 425 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 731 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
