Print

Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Print Recipe

Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a luscious creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this recipe combines protein, pasta, and cheese with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Cheeses

  • 2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Vegetables

  • 1 cup fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onions until fragrant and translucent. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the cream sauce. Add the cooked pasta and optional vegetables if using. Toss gently to coat pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Serving: Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set for easier serving and enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and stretchy texture.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Sauté chicken and aromatics thoroughly to deepen flavor.
  • Toss pasta gently with sauce to keep pasta intact and evenly coated.
  • Allow dish to rest briefly after baking for better consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked pasta, creamy chicken pasta, mozzarella pasta, family dinner, comfort food, baked chicken pasta, cheesy pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/baked-creamy-chicken-mozzarella-pasta/