Description
Golden, melty, and irresistibly rich, this Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. It’s the perfect blend of juicy chicken, al dente pasta, velvety marinara-cream sauce, and bubbly mozzarella cheese. Ideal for easy dinners, hearty potlucks, or make-ahead family meals, this comforting classic is guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re craving cozy food ideas, quick dinner recipes, or a meal that doubles as tomorrow’s lunch—this one checks all the boxes. The golden-baked top, savory aroma, and creamy texture make it a winner in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear until golden and cooked through.
- Lower heat, add marinara, cream, and minced garlic. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and sauce is creamy.
- In a large bowl, toss pasta, chicken, and sauce together.
- Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes