Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a dreamy blend of parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese, this baked pasta dish offers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. A luscious homemade cheese sauce envelopes the ingredients, while a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect finishing touch. Seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of red pepper for depth, this easy-to-make casserole is baked to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes. Serve it with a fresh parsley garnish for a pop of color and flavor, and enjoy a wholesome, oven-baked masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite. Keywords: three cheese pasta bake, chicken penne bake, cheesy pasta casserole, easy baked pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and ricotta cheese to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine evenly.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving. Enjoy your delicious Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4461 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 215.9 g | 277% | |
| Saturated Fat | 109.5 g | 548% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 988 mg | 329% | |
| Sodium | 5450 mg | 237% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 327.4 g | 119% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.8 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.4 g | ||
| Protein | 289.3 g | 579% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.9 mcg | 30% | |
| Calcium | 3403 mg | 262% | |
| Iron | 21.1 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 3032 mg | 65% | |
*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.
