Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a dreamy blend of parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese, this baked pasta dish offers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. A luscious homemade cheese sauce envelopes the ingredients, while a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect finishing touch. Seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of red pepper for depth, this easy-to-make casserole is baked to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes. Serve it with a fresh parsley garnish for a pop of color and flavor, and enjoy a wholesome, oven-baked masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite. Keywords: three cheese pasta bake, chicken penne bake, cheesy pasta casserole, easy baked pasta recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and ricotta cheese to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving. Enjoy your delicious Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2048.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4460.8

Total Fat 215.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 109.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 988.2mg	0%
Sodium 5450.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 327.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.8g	0%
Total Sugars 28.4g
Protein 289.3g	0%

Vitamin D 237.4IU	0%
Calcium 3403.1mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 3031.6mg	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: 44.1%

Protein: 26.2%

Carbs: 29.7%