Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake, a hearty crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta coated in a velvety homemade sauce made from milk, chicken broth, cream cheese, and parmesan, every bite is rich and satisfying. Juicy, paprika-seasoned chicken pieces are nestled alongside layers of mozzarella and golden breadcrumbs for a crispy, cheesy topping that’s baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole takes just 20 minutes of prep time and delivers a beautifully baked dish in under an hour, serving up to six people. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, it's a true one-pan wonder that combines creamy, cheesy decadence with cozy, homemade goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 500 ml whole milk
- 250 ml chicken broth
- 120 g cream cheese
- 100 g parmesan cheese
- 150 g mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 50 g breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until a paste forms (this is a roux).
Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking as you go to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cream cheese and 70g of parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
Combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
For added crispiness, broil the pasta bake for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3636 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 199.7 g | 256% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.8 g | 514% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 779 mg | 260% | |
| Sodium | 5586 mg | 243% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 221.6 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.0 g | ||
| Protein | 232.1 g | 464% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.0 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 2532 mg | 195% | |
| Iron | 12.5 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 2462 mg | 52% | |
*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.
