Description
Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all topped with a bubbly, golden cheese crust. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella and cheddar blend)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (10-12 minutes); drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced chicken for 7-8 minutes until golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine the chicken mixture with the cooked penne and fold in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Mix half of the shredded cheese into the pasta mixture, then transfer to the greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg