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Sensational 1-Dish Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Secret

A close-up of a rich, creamy slice of baked pasta bake with a perfectly browned and bubbly cheese crust.
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This easy, cheesy pasta bake uses simple ingredients to create a rich, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. It is a hearty casserole that tastes like a million dollars.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 (15 ounce) container cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated evenly.
  7. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
  8. If using, spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  10. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before you serve it. This is your ultimate pasta casserole.

Notes

  • You can make this recipe ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • For a meatless option, skip the chicken and add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce mixture.
  • This recipe is excellent for leftovers and reheats well in the microwave.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummagnet.com/easy-one-dish-pasta-bake-recipe/