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Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Bake Easy Dinner Recipe

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A quick and easy creamy chicken mozzarella pasta bake that comes together in about 40 minutes. This one-dish wonder features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce with gooey mozzarella—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into small pieces
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
  2. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions for al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Do not rinse.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate (chicken will not be fully cooked).
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in heavy cream, remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Fold in cooked pasta, seared chicken (with juices), half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan until evenly coated.
  7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan in an even layer.
  8. Bake 18-22 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra browning, broil 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will finish in the oven. Pat chicken dry for a good sear. Season in layers. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. For a deeper golden crust, broil the last 1-2 minutes. The pasta will absorb liquid as it sits; add extra cream or broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta bake, chicken mozzarella pasta, easy dinner recipe, weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://larameals.com/creamy-chicken-mozzarella-pasta-bake-easy-dinner-recipe/