Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe | Quick And Easy Pasta Dish

If you're a fan of hearty, comforting meals, then you're going to love this Baked Chicken Penne Pasta! With tender chunks of chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. Best of all, it's easy to make and perfect for meal prepping.

Why You'll Love This Perfect Pasta Recipe

• Easy With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly This recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• One-Dish Wonder Everything bakes together, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup!
• Make-Ahead Prepare this dish in advance and bake it when you're ready for a quick, hot meal.
• Versatile. You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese.

With this Baked Chicken Penne Pasta, you’re creating a flavorful, cheesy dish that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a romantic night in.

What Does Chicken Penne Pasta Taste Like?

The creamy, cheesy layers combined with the tender chicken and pasta create a comfort-food masterpiece. The penne pasta perfectly soaks up the tomato-based sauce, while the melted cheese on top brings everything together in the most satisfying way.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Penne Pasta- Penne holds onto the sauce well, making it the perfect choice for this dish. Cook until al dente.
• Chicken Breasts- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender chunks of protein.
• Marinara Sauce- Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the freshest flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese- Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese- Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil- For sautéing the chicken.
• Garlic- Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper- Simple seasonings to enhance the flavors.
• Basil or Parsley- Fresh herbs for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make Chicken Penne Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta Boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook until browned on all sides. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce In the same skillet (or a large mixing bowl), combine the cooked penne, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.

Tips And Tricks

Making Baked Chicken Penne Pasta is easy, but these tips can help you achieve the best results every time:

• Undercook the Pasta. Cook the penne until it's just al dente. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft when baked with the sauce.
• Use Fresh Cheese. Grating your own mozzarella and Parmesan ensures the best melt and flavor.
• Add Veggies. You can easily add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make Ahead. Assemble the dish in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is great for busy weeknights.

Variations

Want to customize your Baked Chicken Penne Pasta? Here are a few tasty variations:

• Creamy- Swap the marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce or add a splash of heavy cream to the tomato sauce for extra richness.
• Spicy- Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version- Skip the chicken and add a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes.
• Pesto- Replace the marinara with basil pesto for a bright and herby version of this classic dish.

What To Eat With Chicken Penne Pasta

This Chicken Penne Pasta is a hearty dish, but it pairs well with a few lighter sides:

• Garlic Bread- You can't go wrong with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• Caesar Salad- A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing balances out the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables- Try roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and delicious side.

How Long Does It Last?

Baked Chicken Penne Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover the dish tightly or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! To freeze, assemble the dish but don't bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

More Simple Weeknight Meals

• Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
• Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
• Beef And Bean Enchiladas
• Chicken Street Tacos
• Baked Chicken Teriyaki
• Baked Tortellini

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