Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

This cheesy chicken pasta has saved many of my weeknights when everyone is hungry for comfort food but nobody wants to wait long. Warm tender pasta comes together with juicy chicken and a creamy cheese sauce that brings it all together in just about 30 minutes. It is the kind of meal that feels special without any fuss, and I promise it always gets scraped clean from the pan.

The first time I made this was after a long day when I thought dinner might just be peanut butter sandwiches. Instead everyone sat down to this creamy pasta and we finished the whole pot in record time.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Help make the dish hearty and tender go for organic or air chilled for the best flavor
• Penne pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly and cooks up with a nice bite use a bronze cut variety for a good texture
• Olive oil: For sautéing chicken adds depth and richness look for cold pressed extra virgin
• Small onion: Finely chopped softens into the sauce and brings natural sweetness choose one that is firm with shiny skin
• Garlic: Minced gives aromatic flavor fresh cloves make a big difference
• Heavy cream: Creates a luxurious base for the sauce rich cream is best here rather than half and half
• Milk: Balances the sauce so it is creamy but not too heavy use whole milk if possible
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly and gives stretchiness grate your own for the best melt
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives sharpness and umami go for a wedge and freshly grate it
• Dried basil: Brings herby warmth check the freshness by smelling your spices
• Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and Italian character
• Salt and pepper: Enhance all the flavors use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Chicken broth: Builds out the sauce and makes it savory low sodium is best so you can control seasoning
• Butter: For sweet richness in the sauce use real unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley: For garnish brings color and a fresh finish totally optional but recommended for color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the penne pasta in well salted water until just al dente drain and reserve half a cup of pasta water to help bring the sauce together later

Cook the Chicken:

While pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat season chicken breasts with salt and pepper then cook until golden brown and cooked through about five to seven minutes per side let the chicken rest out of the pan to keep the juices in

Sauté Aromatics:

In the same skillet melt the butter then add the finely chopped onion sauté for two to three minutes until softened and translucent then add minced garlic and stir constantly for another minute to avoid burning

Build the Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth then bring to a gentle simmer for two minutes letting it reduce slightly add heavy cream and milk stir well and bring back to a gentle simmer

Melt the Cheeses:

Lower the heat and add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan a handful at a time stir constantly until melted and the sauce turns smooth and glossy season with dried basil dried oregano salt and pepper tasting as you go

Slice the Chicken:

Once chicken has rested slice it into thin strips or bite sized pieces whatever your crowd prefers

Finish the Pasta:

Add cooked pasta into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water toss everything so every piece is coated with sauce then add sliced chicken and toss again so chicken picks up plenty of sauce

Serve:

Dish the cheesy chicken pasta into bowls immediately garnish with chopped parsley if using

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I adore mozzarella and the way it gives those gooey cheese pulls every time you serve the pasta. Watching my daughter swirl her fork and grin when the cheese stretches is honestly one of my favorite reasons to keep making this dish.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container in the fridge the pasta will keep well for up to three days. If you need the sauce to loosen up during reheating just add a splash of milk or chicken broth and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. I love making extra for lunch the next day because the flavors become even richer.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap penne for any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli and rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you are low on time. For a different cheese flavor try adding a bit of sharp cheddar or fontina in place of some of the mozzarella. If you need to make it lighter use half and half in place of heavy cream the sauce will still be rich but not quite as indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy chicken pasta really shines with something crisp like a simple green salad or quickly roasted broccoli on the side. Warm bread for soaking up every bit of sauce is always welcome at my table. Sometimes I sprinkle extra Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving for that finishing touch.

Cultural Context

Creamy cheesy pastas inspired by Italian American classics are beloved for a reason. While this dish is not strictly traditional Italian it takes the best elements of comfort food creamy sauce tender pasta plenty of cheese and brings them together in a way that fills bellies and hearts. My family roots may not be Italian but gathering around a big bowl of pasta always feels like home to us.

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Nothing beats the satisfaction of bringing together simple ingredients and watching everyone fall silent except for the clink of forks against the bowl. If you try just one creamy pasta this month let it be this one because it is a weeknight miracle that never gets old.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne works well, but you can use rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni for similar results.

→ How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Using both heavy cream and milk creates a silky sauce. Melting the cheese slowly helps prevent clumps.

→ What protein alternatives can I try?

Turkey breast or cooked Italian sausage both pair nicely with the creamy cheese sauce.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Prepare the elements in advance and combine before serving. Reheat gently to keep sauce smooth.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Try a simple green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that balances the richness.