There’s something incredibly comforting about a bubbling dish of creamy pasta fresh from the oven. This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta Bake combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, a rich garlic cream sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for the ultimate family-friendly meal. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a golden, cheesy topping while keeping the inside irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this pasta bake is guaranteed to become a favorite. Every bite is packed with juicy seasoned chicken, velvety sauce, and cheesy goodness that makes comfort food so satisfying.
⏱️ Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
🧺 Ingredients
🍝 Pasta
12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
🍗 Chicken
2 chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
½ teaspoon paprika 🌶️
Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂⚫
🧄 Creamy Cheese Sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream 🥛
1 cup milk 🥛
1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded 🧀
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated 🧀
🌿 Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water helps season the pasta from the inside and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. The pasta should still have a slight bite because it will continue cooking in the oven later.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside. Avoid overcooking it at this stage to prevent a mushy texture after baking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken.
Place the diced chicken breasts in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything together until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings. This simple blend adds delicious flavor without overpowering the creamy cheese sauce.
Allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes while you heat the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The chicken should become golden on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
The browned bits left in the skillet will add extra flavor to the sauce, so don’t clean the pan.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can quickly become bitter.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly.
Allow the mixture to warm gently for 2–3 minutes.
Gradually add the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously.
The cheeses will melt into the cream, creating a smooth and luxurious sauce.
Continue stirring until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and silky.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained penne pasta and gently stir until every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
Take your time mixing to ensure the chicken and sauce are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
At this stage, the dish already smells amazing and can technically be served as a stovetop pasta. However, baking takes it to another level by creating a beautifully golden cheese topping.
Step 6: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the top.
You can also add a little extra Parmesan for a more golden crust.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden-brown top, switch the oven to broil during the last 2–3 minutes.
Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
The finished pasta bake should have bubbling edges and a beautifully browned cheesy surface.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
This short resting period helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color.
Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta bake pairs wonderfully with:
Garlic bread 🥖
Caesar salad 🥗
Roasted vegetables 🥦
Steamed broccoli 🥦
Garlic green beans 🌱
The fresh sides help balance the richness of the creamy cheese sauce.
💡 Tips for Success
Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt much better than pre-shredded varieties and create a smoother sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Remember that the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Slightly undercooking it ensures the perfect texture.
Season in Layers
Season the chicken well and taste the sauce before combining everything. Layered seasoning creates deeper flavor.
Let It Rest
Allowing the bake to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the sauce settle and makes serving cleaner.
🧀 Delicious Variations
Bacon Chicken Pasta Bake
Add cooked crispy bacon pieces for extra smoky flavor.
Spinach Version
Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach before baking.
Mushroom Lover’s Pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before making the sauce.
Spicy Chicken Pasta Bake
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Four Cheese Version
Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, and provolone for even more cheesy goodness.
🥡 Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort food recipe. Tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, rich garlic cream sauce, and layers of melted cheese come together to create a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Once you pull this bubbling, golden casserole from the oven and take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is destined to become a regular favorite at the dinner table. Enjoy! 🍝🧀✨
