Looking for the ultimate family-friendly pasta bake that’s packed with flavor and cheesy goodness? This Baked Creamy Chicken Italian Pasta is a hearty and satisfying dish made with juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce — all baked under a melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy and Comforting: Rich cream sauce meets robust marinara
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor
Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day
Customizable: Swap proteins, add veggies, or spice it up
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Breasts (2, boneless & skinless): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
Penne Pasta (2 cups): Holds the creamy sauce beautifully thanks to its ridged shape.
Marinara Sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Adds a rich tomato base packed with Italian flavors.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates a silky, creamy sauce that balances the acidity of the marinara.
Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts to a gooey, cheesy topping.
Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty kick to the casserole.
Fresh Spinach Leaves (1 cup): Sneaks in some greens and freshness.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used to sauté the chicken, adding flavor and moisture.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides bold, aromatic depth.
Dried Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that enhances the dish’s Italian flair.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Optional Fresh Basil: Brightens and freshens the final dish for a restaurant-quality touch.
Tips and Tricks
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked shredded chicken.
Extra Creamy: Add a little more heavy cream if you like it extra saucy.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Mix Up the Cheese: Try adding provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Variations and Customizations
Meat Swap: Use ground beef, sausage, or turkey instead of chicken.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the spinach or add sautéed mushrooms.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free penne pasta and check sauces for gluten content.
Low Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Pairing Suggestions
Crisp Caesar salad
Garlic bread or focaccia
Roasted broccoli or asparagus
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked pasta tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil, or microwave in individual portions.
Popular Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rigatoni, ziti, or rotini work just as well.
How do I prevent dry pasta bake?
Make sure not to overbake, and keep the sauce slightly thinner before baking to compensate for pasta absorbing liquid.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 5 minutes if cold.
