Creamy Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake You'll CraveCreamy Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake You'll CraveIngredients for Creamy Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake

To make this creamy, cheesy casserole, you'll need:

1. Penne pasta:

About 8 ounces of penne pasta will do for a hearty bake. Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain, reserving some of the cooking water.

2. Chicken:

Use 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté in a bit of olive oil until cooked through. Cube or shred the chicken and set aside.

3. Cream and cheese:

For an ultra creamy and cheesy bake, use 1 cup each of heavy cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

4. Vegetables:

Dice 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic, and 1 red bell pepper. Sauté the veggies in the same pan you cooked the chicken in until soft. You can also add 1 cup frozen peas if you like.

5. Herbs and spices:

Add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Mix the herbs, spices, cream, and cheeses into the pasta along with the chicken and veggies.

6. Breadcrumb topping:

For extra crunch, toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.

With a combination of pasta, chicken, veggies, cream, cheese and herbs, this creamy cheesy chicken penne bake will satisfy your comfort food craving! Bake at 350 F for about 20 minutes until bubbly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Assembling Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake

To assemble this creamy, cheesy bake, start by cooking a pound of penne according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese melts and is well combined. Add the cooked penne to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.

Add the Chicken

Dice 2 cooked chicken breasts and fold into the cheesy penne. You can bake your own chicken breasts, or use leftover cooked chicken. Either way, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Pour into a Baking Dish

Pour the cheesy chicken penne into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.

Bake and Broil

Bake the penne at 350 F for 20 minutes until bubbly. Turn the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

Allow to stand for 5 minutes, then dig into your creamy, cheesy chicken penne bake. The melted cheeses, tender chicken, and al dente penne combine for a crave-worthy casserole the whole family will love.

Customize Your Cheesy Penne Bake With Additional Ingredients

Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes

Add 1 to 2 cups of diced fresh or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes will add an intense, almost raisin-like sweetness while fresh tomatoes provide a bright, acidic kick. Mix the tomatoes right into the pasta along with the cheese sauce.

Broccoli and spinach

For extra veggies, stir in 1 to 2 cups of chopped fresh broccoli florets or spinach leaves. Cook the broccoli briefly in boiling water until crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. The residual heat will wilt the spinach once stirred into the pasta. These quick-cooking veggies add nutrition, texture and an earthy flavor to the rich cheese sauce.

Caramelized onions

Slowly sautéed onions are a perfect accompaniment to the creamy pasta. Thinly slice 2 to 3 onions and cook them in butter over medium-low heat until very soft and browned, about 20 to 25 minutes. The natural sugars in the onions will caramelize as they cook, resulting in a sweet and savory topping for your penne.

Grilled chicken

For a heartier meal, top each serving with grilled chicken. Pound 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds of chicken breasts to an even thickness, then brush with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Let rest, then slice or dice and scatter over the cheesy penne.

Bacon and peas

Nothing says comfort like bacon and peas. Cook 6 to 8 slices of bacon until crisp, then crumble and stir into the pasta along with 1 to 2 cups of frozen peas. The peas will thaw in the hot pasta and provide little bursts of sweetness while the bacon adds a smoky, savory punch.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Penne Bake

Use High-Quality Ingredients

For the creamiest, cheesiest bake, don’t skimp on ingredients. Use penne pasta, chicken breast, heavy cream, and lots of cheese like ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella. These ingredients will give you a decadent, creamy sauce. Whole milk or half and half can work in a pinch, but heavy cream is ideal. And choose a cheese with melting properties for extra gooey goodness.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cook the penne just until al dente, usually about 2 minutes less than the package directions. The pasta will continue to soften as it bakes in the sauce, so you want it slightly underdone. Drain the pasta and toss with oil to prevent sticking.

Simmer the Sauce

Make a creamy sauce on the stovetop with the heavy cream, ricotta or parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 5 to 10 minutes. You want the sauce creamy but not watery. If it’s too thin, simmer longer. If it’s too thick, whisk in a splash of milk.

Don’t Skimp on the Cheese

When assembling the bake, generously layer the penne, chicken, and sauce in a baking dish. Top with lots of shredded mozzarella cheese - at least 1 to 2 cups. The cheese will melt into a gooey blanket over the top as it bakes. More cheese is always better in this case!

Bake Uncovered

Bake the penne uncovered in a preheated 350 F oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t cover the dish or the cheese won’t get nice and browned on top. Let the bake stand for 5 to 10 minutes, then dig in! The creamy, cheesy sauce will thicken as it stands.

Enjoy your creamy cheesy chicken penne bake! Following these tips will ensure you get a decadent, crave-worthy pasta dish. Buon appetito!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken Penne Bakes

How long does it take to make Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake?

This delicious, comforting dish comes together in about 30-40 minutes total. The actual hands-on time is only about 15-20 minutes. The remaining time is for baking and cooling. The key is to use shortcuts like pre-cooked chicken, jarred pasta sauce and shredded cheese to minimize prep work.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Penne is a great sturdy pasta that stands up well to heavy sauces, but you can easily substitute ziti, rigatoni or even bowtie pasta. Just keep in mind that more delicate pastas like spaghetti or linguine won’t hold up as well when baked. In the end, use whatever shape you like - it’s all going to get coated in cheese and sauce!

Do I have to use jarred pasta sauce?

Not at all. Homemade pasta sauce would be delicious in this dish. You can also use pesto, alfredo sauce or just olive oil, garlic and herbs. For a lighter option, use broth or milk instead of a tomato-based sauce. The key is to have enough liquid to moisten the pasta and prevent it from drying out when baked.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach and broccoli are all great additions to this cheesy chicken penne bake. Mushrooms, eggplant, asparagus or sun-dried tomatoes would also be delicious. Sauté the veggies first before adding to the pasta or add them raw and the heat from the baking will soften them. Either way, extra veggies boost the nutrition and provide more texture and flavor.

What kind of cheese works best?

Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, provolone and Italian blend cheeses all melt beautifully in this dish. For extra decadence, add some shredded Gruyere, fontina or gouda. Mixing two or three cheeses provides a blend of flavors. And of course, you can never go wrong with more cheese! Add as much or as little as you like.

Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake

Chicken

For this irresistible bake, you'll need about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes so it cooks evenly and mixes well into the pasta.

Pasta

A box of penne pasta, about 1 pound, works perfectly here. Penne holds up well to creamy sauces and bakes nicely. Cook the pasta according to package directions; you want it al dente, still firm to the bite.

Cheese

You can't have cheesy chicken penne bake without cheese! Use 1 1⁄2 to 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, provolone, cheddar or a cheese blend. I like to use a mixture of mozzarella and provolone for lots of ooey-gooey goodness. Grated parmesan, about 1/2 cup, adds a punch of flavor.

Cream and Butter

To make it creamy, use 1 cup of half and half or heavy cream and 1/4 cup butter. Melt the butter, then whisk in the cream. This makes a rich, luscious sauce for the pasta.

Herbs and Spices

For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Fresh or dried parsley, about 1/4 cup chopped, adds fresh herbal flavor. Salt and pepper to taste.

Extras

For a little kick, add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach or sun-dried tomatoes make great mix-ins.

With a combination of chicken, pasta and an irresistible creamy cheese sauce, this penne bake is comfort food at its best. Your family will be asking you to make it again and again!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Assembling Cheesy Chicken Penne Bake

Cook the pasta.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water.

Make the cheese sauce.

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Cook the chicken.

Season 1 pound of diced chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Assemble and bake.

Add the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and chicken to a large casserole dish. Stir to combine and evenly coat everything in the cheese sauce. Top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes, until bubbly. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, chicken-y delight!

The key is not to overbake the dish or the cheese on top can become tough. Be sure to save some of that starchy pasta water to add to the cheese sauce in case it’s too thick. A salad and garlic bread make perfect sides for this rich and filling main. Buon appetito!

Customize Your Cheesy Penne Bake With Additional Ingredients

Once you’ve made the basic penne bake, the fun really starts—it’s time to make it your own! Add in mix-ins and toppings to create a cheesy pasta dish tailored to your tastes.

Mix-Ins

Stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You really can’t go wrong. Chopped broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers or eggplant would also be delicious. For a Mexican-inspired dish, add in black beans, corn, and chili powder.

Cheeses

In addition to ricotta and mozzarella, try provolone, fontina, gouda or goat cheese. Blue cheese or feta would add a nice tang. Shredded or crumbled, the options are endless. Mix and match your favorites for a unique cheesy blend.

Herbs

Fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary and chives will make your penne sing. Add them to the ricotta mixture or sprinkle on top before baking. Crushed red pepper flakes will kick up the heat, if you like it spicy.

Toppings

Once baked, garnish your penne with toasted breadcrumbs, chopped fresh tomatoes, grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon or lime juice over the top for a bright finish.

With all these possible additions, you can create a new version of creamy cheesy chicken penne bake every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment—your taste buds will thank you! Bake, enjoy, and start dreaming up your next delicious combination.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Penne Bake

Use Quality Ingredients

For the creamiest, cheesiest bake, use ingredients you love. Whole milk, heavy cream, and butter provide richness, while quality cheese melts smoothly. Chicken thighs stay tender when baked and have more flavor than breasts. And choose a pasta shape that catches sauce in every bite, like penne.

Don’t Skimp on the Cheese

At least two, if not three, types of cheese are needed for an ultra-cheesy bake. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and ricotta is ideal. Make sure you use enough cheese so it melts into a bubbly, golden brown layer on top and coats each pasta strand.

Add Flavor Boosters

In addition to cheese, mix in other flavor enhancers to boost the creamy and savory flavors. Sun-dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic, shallots, and crushed red pepper flakes are all great options. You can also add white wine or sherry to the sauce for extra depth.

Cover and Bake

Covering the dish with foil before baking helps the cheese melt evenly and the sauce heat through. Bake covered for about 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking 10 more minutes until the cheese is browned on top. The foil also helps avoid drying out the chicken.

Broil for a Bubbling Finish

If the cheese isn’t bubbly enough after baking, turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes while keeping a close eye on it. The high heat will make the cheese bubble, brown, and crisp. But don’t broil for too long or the topping can burn before the insides are hot. Keep a close eye and broil in short increments, checking frequently.

Following these tips will ensure a creamy chicken penne bake so irresistible your friends and family will be begging for the recipe. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken Penne Bakes

Do I need to use a specific type of pasta?

Penne is a great choice for baked pasta dishes because it holds up well to baking and captures bits of cheese and sauce in its tube shape. However, you can use any short pasta you like, such as rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. For extra decadence, use a pasta specifically meant for baking like radiatore or gemelli. Just avoid long, strand pastas which can become mushy when baked.

Do I have to use chicken?

While chicken pairs perfectly with penne and cheese, you can substitute diced ham, sausage, or vegetables like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. For a meatless meal, add extra veggies such as bell peppers, broccoli, eggplant or zucchini. You can also add beans like white beans or chickpeas for extra protein. Use whatever combination of add-ins you like!

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cheesy chicken penne bakes are ideal for meal prep. Cook the pasta, chicken and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving. You can also assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake as directed until bubbly. For the best results, undercook the pasta by 2 minutes when preparing ahead. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven and stay al dente.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Assembled but unbaked cheese and chicken penne casseroles freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze just the cooked pasta, sauce and chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, assemble and bake as directed.

Any tips for the perfect cheesy chicken penne bake?

• Use a mixture of cheeses for lots of flavor, such as ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan.

• Add extra cheese between layers and on top for a gooey cheese layer.

• Toss the cooked pasta in a little sauce or olive oil before layering to prevent sticking.

• Brush the top with beaten egg or melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan or bread crumbs for a golden crust.

• Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. The cheese will be bubbling hot!