Dreamy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe: Pure Comfort in a Bowl

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy chicken pasta strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in a velvety sauce create a mouthwatering main course that feels both indulgent and simple.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how effortlessly the ingredients come together in one skillet.

Each bite promises rich, harmonious flavors that dance across your palate.

The recipe brings together classic ingredients with surprising depth, making it a go-to meal for busy evenings.

Cheese and herbs blend seamlessly, transforming ordinary chicken and pasta into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delectable forkful of this irresistible dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Chicken Pasta Irresistibly

• Pasta: Provides hearty foundation, choose quality Italian pasta for authentic texture.
• Chicken: Lean protein that anchors the dish, select boneless skinless breasts for easy preparation.
• Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking, use extra virgin for best taste.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings aromatic Mediterranean herbs, look for blends without additives.

• Garlic: Adds deep savory undertones, fresh cloves provide more intense flavor than pre-minced.
• Chicken Broth: Creates depth and moisture, low-sodium versions allow better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious silky texture, ensure it's fresh and high-quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty notes, freshly grated melts more smoothly.
• Fresh Parsley, Basil: Bright garnish that lifts entire dish's freshness, chop just before serving.

• Spinach: Introduces nutritional boost and vibrant color.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provides sweet, tangy contrast to creamy sauce.

Tools You’ll Need for Saucy, Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Pot: Needed for boiling and cooking pasta to perfect al dente texture.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing garlic and chopping optional ingredients like parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Help measure salt, pepper, and seasonings accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and combining ingredients smoothly.

Cooking Chicken Pasta That’s, Quick, and Satisfying

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Drop pasta into bubbling, salty water. Cook until tender but with a slight bite. Drain and keep a splash of cooking water nearby.

• Sizzle Chicken Beautifully

Dust chicken with zesty seasonings. Slide into a hot skillet with shimmering oil. Cook until golden and juicy, about 6-8 minutes. Scoop out and set aside.

• Create Velvety Sauce

In the same pan, dance garlic around until fragrant. Pour chicken broth and scrape up delicious brown bits. Drizzle cream and let it bubble gently.

• Blend Flavors Smoothly

Swirl Parmesan into the sauce until silky. Slide chicken and pasta back into the pan. Toss everything together, letting the creamy mixture hug each piece.

• Add Fresh Touches

Tuck in leafy spinach or burst-sweet tomatoes. Let them mingle in the warm sauce for a moment.

• Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh herbs on top. Plate immediately with an extra dusting of Parmesan. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Flavor Variations to Liven Up Chicken Pasta

• Quick Tips for Delicious Results
• Save some pasta cooking water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every noodle without being too thick or runny.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat every single time.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged options for a richer, more authentic flavor that melts smoothly into the sauce.
• For a lower-carb version, swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Gluten-free friends can use gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising taste.
• Experiment with different green additions like kale, arugula, or broccoli to increase nutritional value and add exciting texture variations to the classic recipe.

Serve Chicken Pasta as a Comfort-Meal Centerpiece

• Cozy Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty chicken pasta dish, creating warm memories while enjoying delicious comfort food together.
• Elegant Dinner Party: Impress guests by plating the pasta in shallow white dishes, garnishing with fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan for a sophisticated presentation.
• Meal Prep Champion: Package individual portions in sealed containers for easy lunches, keeping sauce separate to maintain pasta's perfect texture when reheating.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits on top for added crunch and depth, transforming the basic recipe into a gourmet experience.

Store and Reheat Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover chicken pasta in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Revive chilled pasta by adding a splash of chicken broth or milk when warming. Gently stir over medium-low heat to restore creamy consistency and prevent sauce separation.
• Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken pasta stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Divide meal into individual serving containers for grab-and-go lunches. These premade portions make weekday meal planning effortless and reduce daily cooking stress.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can swap the pasta. Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work great and taste just as delicious with this creamy chicken sauce.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use less Parmesan. You can also add more vegetables to increase nutrition and reduce calories.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or include some sliced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic. These will give a nice kick to the sauce.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. Most kitchens have these basic herbs, making it easy to substitute.

Easy Baked Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting “easy baked penne pasta” brings Italian-inspired warmth to dinner tables with its cheesy, hearty goodness. Melted mozzarella and rich marinara sauce invite you to savor each delicious, satisfying bite of this classic homestyle meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additives:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water and generously add salt. Bring liquid to a vigorous boil and submerge penne pasta, cooking until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency as recommended on packaging.
2. Carefully drain pasta and gently coat with olive oil to prevent clumping, then set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium flame and thoroughly brown ground beef or sausage, eliminating excess grease.
4. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow mixture to simmer, developing rich flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray.
7. In a comprehensive mixing bowl, combine cooked penne with creamy ricotta cheese, ensuring even distribution.
8. Create the first layer by spreading half the pasta-ricotta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. Distribute half the robust meat sauce over the pasta layer, then generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
10. Repeat layering process with remaining pasta mixture, meat sauce, and cheese toppings.
11. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
12. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust, approximately 10 additional minutes.
13. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and sauce to slightly thicken.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving, adding a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Select short penne pasta with ridges to help sauce cling better, creating more flavor in every bite.
• Generously salt pasta water to enhance overall taste, ensuring the noodles are seasoned from within.
• Pat ground meat dry before cooking to achieve perfect browning and develop deeper caramelized flavors.
• Use full-fat ricotta for creamier texture, which melts smoothly and creates richer consistency throughout the dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add bright, fresh notes that cut through the richness of cheese and meat sauce.
• Allow baked pasta to rest briefly after cooking, helping cheese set and making serving easier without falling apart.
• Customize heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or using spicy marinara sauce for those who enjoy more kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg