I learned this incredible pasta hack from a friend in Italy, and it has since become my go-to method for making pasta. This dish combines rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken breast and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all baked to perfection with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 300 grams cream cheese
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 400 grams Alfredo sauce
- 450 grams mozzarella cheese, grated (250 grams for initial bake, 200 grams for topping)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 4 teaspoons garlic paste
- 1 pinch dried parsley
- 400 milliliters heavy cream
- 400 milliliters chicken broth
- 100 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 80 grams unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 chicken breast, cooked and cut into strips
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven:
•Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare the baking dish:
•In a large ovenproof dish, add 300 grams of cream cheese.
3. Add the pasta and sauce:
•Add 400 grams of penne pasta and 400 grams of Alfredo sauce to the dish. Mix well to combine with the cream cheese.
•Sprinkle 250 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture.
4. Season and add liquids:
•Season with a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, 4 teaspoons of garlic paste, and a pinch of dried parsley.
•Pour in 400 milliliters of heavy cream and 400 milliliters of chicken broth.
•Sprinkle 100 grams of grated parmesan cheese over the top.
•Dot with 80 grams of unsalted butter cut into cubes.
5. First bake:
•Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, keeping an eye on it as baking time may vary depending on your oven.
6. Mix and add chicken:
•Remove the dish from the oven and mix all the ingredients very well until incorporated into the pasta.
•Add the cooked chicken breast strips and fresh parsley to taste. Mix well.
•Sprinkle the remaining 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Second bake:
•Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F).
•Return the dish to the oven and bake until the mozzarella cheese melts and browns on top, about 10-15 minutes.
8. Serve:
•Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
•Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
•Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
This Italian-inspired creamy chicken pasta bake is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy this recipe with your loved ones, and it may quickly become a family favorite just as it has in my household.
Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the deliciousness together. Happy cooking!