Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich cream-tomato sauce come together under a golden layer of bubbling mozzarella for the ultimate cozy dinner everyone will love.
Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta (or pasta of your choice) | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Chicken breasts, cooked and cubed | 2 large |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Marinara sauce | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1½ cups (divided) |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish) | As desired |
Method
Prep the Oven & Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Sauce Base:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and marinara sauce, stirring until fully combined. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the Chicken:
Stir the cooked chicken cubes into the sauce, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Combine Pasta & Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese, mixing until well distributed.
Assemble & Bake:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella over the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve:
Top with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving warm.
This baked pasta dish is cheesy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in every bite.
