Description

This chicken mozzarella pasta bake is a creamy, cheesy, oven-baked dish loaded with seasoned chicken, penne pasta, and two types of cheese—mozzarella and Parmesan. Finished with a golden crust and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. Quick to prep and family-friendly, it’s perfect for leftovers, meal prepping, or sharing with guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta:

12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika

For the sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

For topping:

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through. Add garlic and cook for another minute

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens

Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper

Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl or directly in a baking dish. Mix until everything is well coated

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm

Notes

Prep Ahead: Assemble the entire bake and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Cheese Tips: Use freshly grated cheese for best melting results.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add spinach or mushrooms instead.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top for added texture.
Storage Tip: Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.