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Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
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Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a rich and comforting all-in-one meal combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This family-friendly dish is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with its indulgent flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water

Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)

Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté minced garlic and diced onion in olive oil until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to intensify the flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked chicken and pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it by stirring in reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  5. Bake with Mozzarella: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and cools the dish to an ideal temperature.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it al dente since it will cook further in the oven.
  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a smoother melt and less moisture.
  • Adjust cream and reserved pasta water to balance sauce thickness.
  • Season each layer—chicken, sauce, pasta—for consistent flavor.
  • Let the combined pasta and sauce rest a few minutes off the heat before baking to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked pasta, creamy chicken pasta, mozzarella pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian pasta bake

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/baked-creamy-chicken-mozzarella-pasta/