Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Bake

When comfort food meets effortless weeknight cooking, nothing hits quite like a Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Bake. Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, speckled with juicy tomatoes, and topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella. Baked until slightly golden and bubbly, this dish is the ultimate cozy dinner, perfect for family meals, date nights at home, or anytime you crave that satisfying, restaurant-quality experience without the fuss.

This recipe combines familiar flavors—garlic, Parmesan, butter, and Italian seasoning—with the comforting textures of pasta and tender chicken. The result is a dish that’s rich, creamy, and indulgent, yet surprisingly easy to make. Its layers of flavor and textures—creamy sauce, soft pasta, seared chicken, and melty mozzarella—ensure every bite is delightful. Plus, the baked finish adds a visually appealing golden crust that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something special.

Whether you’re new to home cooking or a seasoned chef looking for a foolproof crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a surefire winner. Below, we break down everything you need to make your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Bake perfectly, step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, perfect for cozy dinners.
• Quick prep and cook time: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
• Crowd-pleasing flavors: Garlic, Parmesan, tomatoes, and chicken create a harmonious blend.
• Versatile: Works well for two people or easily doubled for family meals.
• Easy weeknight dinner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Make-ahead friendly: Pasta and sauce can be prepped in advance for even faster cooking.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Pasta & Sauce

• 3 cups cooked penne
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Topping

• ½–1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Parsley to garnish

This recipe serves 2 generous portions and is perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet for searing chicken
• Medium pot for cooking penne pasta
• Baking dish (around 8×8 inches or similar)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater for fresh Parmesan (optional)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Season the sliced chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Set aside the chicken for later use.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently.
Add grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
Simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked penne with the creamy sauce in the skillet until fully coated.
Fold in half of the cooked chicken to distribute evenly.

4. Assemble for Baking

Transfer the penne and chicken mixture into a greased baking dish.
Arrange the remaining chicken slices on top of the pasta.

5. Add the Cheese Topping & Bake

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken and pasta.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.

6. Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy warm straight from the oven.

Tips & Variations

Chicken Tips

• Use either chicken breasts or thighs; thighs provide juicier, more flavorful results.
• Slice the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a golden sear.

Pasta & Sauce Variations

• Swap penne with rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta shape.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra texture and nutrition.
• For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Cheese & Topping Options

• Try a mix of mozzarella and provolone or fontina for extra melty richness.
• Sprinkle a little paprika or Italian seasoning over the cheese before baking for extra flavor.

Dairy-Free Options

• Replace butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
• Use vegan Parmesan and mozzarella to maintain the creamy, cheesy texture.

Flavor Profile

• Chicken: Golden, tender, lightly seasoned with garlic, paprika, and salt for balanced flavor.
• Creamy Sauce: Smooth, garlicky, and savory with subtle acidity from diced tomatoes.
• Pasta: Al dente penne soaks up the sauce, providing a satisfying bite.
• Cheese: Melted mozzarella adds a stretchy, indulgent layer with a golden finish.
• Herbs: Parsley adds freshness, balancing the richness of the dish.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken Prep: Season and slice the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Pasta Prep: Cook the penne and store with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Sauce Prep: Prepare the garlic-Parmesan sauce in advance and reheat gently before combining with pasta.
• Assembly: Combine pasta and sauce just before baking, add cheese, and bake as directed.

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, covering to retain moisture.

Freezing:

• Not recommended for cream-based baked pasta, as the sauce may separate upon thawing. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Simply fold pre-cooked chicken into the sauce and bake with mozzarella until heated through.

2. Can I substitute another pasta?
Yes, penne works best, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are excellent alternatives.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake when ready to serve.

5. How can I prevent the cheese from over-browning?
Cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 8 minutes of baking, then uncover for the remaining time to achieve a golden finish.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep ingredients	10 mins
Cook chicken	6–8 mins
Make sauce	4–5 mins
Combine pasta and sauce	2 mins
Assemble and bake	12 mins
Total Time	35 mins

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly from the baking dish for family-style meals.
• Garnish generously with fresh parsley for color and brightness.
• Pair with a crisp side salad to cut through the richness.
• Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette complements the cheesy baked pasta beautifully.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Chicken Penne Bake: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
2. Veggie-Loaded Version: Incorporate zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach into the creamy sauce.
3. Cheesy Blend: Mix mozzarella, provolone, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra cheesy depth.
4. Lemon-Parmesan Kick: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the sauce before combining with pasta for a fresh, tangy note.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken

Chicken breasts are lean, tender, and cook quickly. Slice evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Thighs can be substituted for juicier, more flavorful results. Store raw chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Penne Pasta

Penne is ideal for baked dishes because its tube shape holds the sauce beautifully. Cook just until al dente, as it will continue to bake with the sauce.

Tomatoes

Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and provide consistency. Fresh tomatoes can be used, ideally seeded and diced. They add natural sweetness and slight acidity to balance the creamy sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always preheat the oven for even baking.
• Use the same skillet for chicken and sauce to capture flavorful browned bits.
• Don’t overcook pasta before baking—it should be slightly firm to absorb sauce without becoming mushy.
• For extra golden cheese, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking if desired.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 2–3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
• Freezing is possible, but cream-based baked pasta may separate upon thawing. Reheat slowly and stir to recombine.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~760 kcal
Protein	High
Carbohydrates	Moderate
Fat	Moderate to high
Fiber	Low
Dietary Notes	Contains dairy; gluten present in pasta

Expanded Conclusion

The Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Bake is a perfect balance of comfort and elegance. With tender, flavorful chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection, this dish is irresistible for any occasion. It’s hearty yet approachable, indulgent yet simple, and entirely satisfying.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this recipe proves that you can have restaurant-quality comfort food at home without stress. From its rich flavors to its cozy, cheesy finish, every bite delivers warmth and satisfaction. This is a recipe to save, repeat, and share, bringing smiles to anyone lucky enough to sit at your table.

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