Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake, a hearty crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta coated in a velvety homemade sauce made from milk, chicken broth, cream cheese, and parmesan, every bite is rich and satisfying. Juicy, paprika-seasoned chicken pieces are nestled alongside layers of mozzarella and golden breadcrumbs for a crispy, cheesy topping that’s baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole takes just 20 minutes of prep time and delivers a beautifully baked dish in under an hour, serving up to six people. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, it's a true one-pan wonder that combines creamy, cheesy decadence with cozy, homemade goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 g penne pasta
• 2 pieces chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 500 ml whole milk
• 250 ml chicken broth
• 120 g cream cheese
• 100 g parmesan cheese
• 150 g mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 50 g breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the butter and allow it to melt.

Step 5

Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until a paste forms (this is a roux).

Step 6

Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking as you go to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7

Add the cream cheese and 70g of parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

Step 8

Combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 11

For added crispiness, broil the pasta bake for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2054.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4450.5

Total Fat 202.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 96.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.2g
Cholesterol 754.2mg	0%
Sodium 6495.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 395.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.1g	0%
Total Sugars 36.6g
Protein 263.1g	0%

Vitamin D 257.6IU	0%
Calcium 2805.6mg	0%
Iron 22.5mg	0%
Potassium 2274.3mg	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: 40.8%

Protein: 23.6%

Carbs: 35.5%