Description
A creamy and delicious pasta bake featuring chicken, mozzarella, and a blend of Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute whole wheat pasta and use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg