Baked Creamy Chicken Italian Pasta

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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.

Baked Creamy Chicken Italian Pasta

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Tender chicken, penne, and spinach smothered in a rich marinara-cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Easy, cheesy, and packed with Italian flavor—perfect for a cozy family dinner!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a large baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.

• Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning.

• Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

• Add the marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and spinach to the skillet.

• Toss everything together until well combined and the spinach wilts slightly.

• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Top and Bake

• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 7: Serve

• Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes.

• Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Notes

• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a vibrant pop of color and flavor just before serving.

• For a richer sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian

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