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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 comforting, cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, this family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers versatile customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Oils

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Slice into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil the penne or rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Sauté the minced garlic in a splash of olive oil until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently until slightly thickened. Add the grated Parmesan and most of the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  5. Bake to perfection: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
  • Don’t overcook pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
  • Season in layers – salt and pepper your chicken, sauce, and pasta for balanced flavor.
  • Add cream gradually to control sauce thickness and prevent runniness.

Nutrition

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

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