Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake

Created on August 26th, 2026 at 04:44 am

Introduction: Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake is the perfect dish for those who crave comfort food with a touch of Italian flair. This creamy chicken penne is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family dinner recipes. With its rich, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, this pasta bake is sure to become a favorite in your household. For more inspiration, check out Buffalo Chicken Pasta.

A Family Favorite Comfort Food

There’s something about a cheesy pasta casserole that speaks to the heart, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Baked chicken penne is a classic dish that brings families together, providing nourishment and comfort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a weeknight meal, this cheesy chicken penne bake is a reliable choice that everyone will love. For another delightful twist on pasta bakes, check out our Caprese Pasta Bake.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

To enhance the flavor of your cheesy chicken penne bake, consider adding:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken and Pasta

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let cool before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Assembling the Bake

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Baking to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For a variation of chicken bakes, try the Cheesy Chicken Ranch Potato Bake.

Pro Tips

For the best results, consider these pro tips when preparing your cheesy chicken penne bake:

• How to Achieve the Perfect Cheese Melt: Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamy and flavorful topping.
• Make-Ahead and Storage Tips: Prepare the dish up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Enhance the Flavor: Sauté vegetables like mushrooms or spinach along with the garlic for added nutrition and taste.
• Customize Your Dish: Experiment with different cheese blends or add a hint of spice with red pepper flakes.

The most critical tip is to ensure your cheese is evenly spread for a perfect cheesy crust. For more ideas to elevate your pasta dishes, explore our Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Sides

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The freshness of a salad complements the richness of the pasta bake, while the crunch of garlic bread adds a delightful texture.

Best Drinks to Complement

Serve your cheesy chicken penne bake with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea. These drinks help balance the creamy richness of the dish. For a creative twist on chicken bakes, consider the Buffalo Chicken Slider Bake.

Nutritional Information

Calorie Count and Macronutrients

Each serving of cheesy chicken penne bake contains approximately 480 calories. It provides a balance of macronutrients, including 30g of protein, 22g of fat, and 42g of carbohydrates, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains dairy and gluten. For those with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese alternatives to enjoy this comforting dish without worry.

Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake

Giulia M.

A creamy and comforting cheesy chicken penne bake perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Baking dish 9×13 inches
• 1 Large skillet
• 1 Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove and let cool before slicing.
• In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
• Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and half of the mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
• Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Serving

• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamy and flavorful topping.
Ingredient Substitutions: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
How to Serve: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Keyword cheesy chicken penne bake, chicken pasta bake, family dinner recipes

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