It Doesn T Get Any Yummier Than This Chicken and Pasta Bake
Get ready to impress your family and friends with "It Doesn’t Get Any Yummier Than This Chicken and Pasta Bake," the ultimate comfort food packed with creamy, cheesy deliciousness! This easy-to-make dish combines tender penne pasta, juicy chicken breast, and a luscious sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan, all baked to bubbly perfection under a blanket of melted mozzarella. Sautéed onions and garlic add a rich depth of flavor, while Italian seasoning ties everything together for a perfectly seasoned, restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this hearty chicken and pasta casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible. Garnish with fresh parsley to elevate the presentation and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, allow it to rest for a few minutes, and then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken into the skillet, tossing until everything is coated in the sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden crust, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
684 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.5 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.5 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 179 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 980 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 42.2 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 407 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 349 mg | 7% | |
*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.
