Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake, a hearty dish that's guaranteed to become a family favorite! Tender penne pasta and juicy chunks of golden-browned chicken are smothered in a creamy tomato sauce, infused with garlic and Italian seasoning for a burst of classic flavors. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and nutty parmesan cheese, every bite is oozing with cheesy goodness. This easy-to-make casserole comes together quickly, with just 15 minutes of prep time before it’s baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dinner option, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and best served hot with a garnish of fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams chicken breast
• 300 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 400 grams chopped tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 200 milliliters heavy cream
• 200 grams, grated mozzarella cheese
• 50 grams, grated parmesan cheese
• 10 grams, for garnish fresh basil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, then add the cooked pasta and chicken pieces. Mix until well combined.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 9

Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1842.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3664.5

Total Fat 173.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.6g
Cholesterol 804.5mg	0%
Sodium 5816.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 267.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 23.4g
Protein 247.9g	0%

Vitamin D 32IU	0%
Calcium 2011.7mg	0%
Iron 16.5mg	0%
Potassium 3688.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 27.4%

Carbs: 29.5%