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–+ servings

Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

A comforting dish of creamy pasta with tender chicken and gooey mozzarella, baked to perfection for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pasta
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta Cook in salted water until just under al dente.
For the chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Use fresh chicken for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper To taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
For the sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Quality marinara enhances flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Reserve some for topping.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For garnish
  • Chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted water until just under al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cooking
  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil.
  2. Add the chicken, season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and sear until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat, then add marinara sauce, heavy cream, and optional minced garlic. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until everything is combined and warm.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce, tossing until well coated.
  6. Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden, then broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crunch.
  8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 6g

Notes

For a lighter dish, consider using less cream or substituting with a lighter milk alternative. You can add sautéed veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.

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