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- 2 cups penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great) - 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - ½ cup grated parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To start, I choose penne pasta for its great shape. It holds the sauce well. I use olive oil to add flavor and help cook the onions and garlic. Chopping one onion and mincing two cloves of garlic brings a nice aroma to the dish. Next, I add shredded chicken. I often use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. It saves time and adds rich flavor. I mix in fresh or frozen broccoli florets for color and nutrition. Halved cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and a burst of freshness. Seasonings matter too. I add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper for taste. For creamy goodness, I use two types of cheese. One cup of shredded mozzarella melts beautifully. One cup of ricotta cheese adds a rich, creamy texture. I finish with half a cup of grated parmesan cheese for a salty kick. Finally, I garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. This mix creates a comforting and hearty dish that the whole family will enjoy. Each ingredient plays a role in making this cheesy chicken pasta bake both tasty and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} Cooking the Penne Pasta Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. This gives your dish the right texture. Draining and Setting Aside When the pasta is done, carefully drain it in a colander. Make sure to shake off any excess water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the other ingredients. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. The garlic should smell amazing! Adding Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomatoes Now it’s time to add the good stuff. Toss in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Cook all of this for 5-7 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. Mixing Ingredients in a Bowl In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with your chicken and veggie mix. Stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese and half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure everything is well coated. Transferring to Baking Dish Grease a baking dish well. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese on top. Baking Process Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once done, take it out and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy chicken pasta bake! Achieving Al Dente Pasta To get the best texture, cook the penne pasta just until it is al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions closely. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to check it a minute or two before the time is up. Drain the pasta right after it cooks to stop the cooking process. Cooking Broccoli to Perfection For the broccoli, you want it tender but still green and bright. If you use fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets. Add it to the skillet with the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes. If you use frozen broccoli, add it straight to the skillet without thawing. This keeps it crisp and delicious. Suggested Seasonings To make your dish pop, use Italian seasoning. It adds a nice herbal flavor. You can also sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper to taste. If you like heat, try adding some red pepper flakes. This will give your pasta bake a fun kick. Cheese Melting Techniques For the best cheesy topping, use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella in the mixture and save the rest for the top. Baking it at 375°F helps the cheese melt evenly and get nice and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil it for the last few minutes. Serving Ideas Serve the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake in individual bowls for a warm and cozy meal. This makes it easy for family and friends to enjoy. You can also add a side salad for a nice balance. Garnishing Tips with Basil and Parmesan To make your dish look fresh and colorful, add chopped fresh basil on top. A sprinkle of extra parmesan gives it a nice touch. These simple additions will impress your guests and make the dish look gourmet. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your penne pasta is cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients; it will absorb some sauce while baking and prevent it from becoming mushy. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and flavorful option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a delicious seasoning to the dish. Variations with Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to customize the bake to your liking. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} Different Pasta Types You can swap penne for any pasta you like. Fusilli, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta works great. Each type gives a new look and texture to your bake. Chicken Alternatives If you want a change from chicken, try shredded beef or tofu. Both options add a unique flavor. You can also use turkey or even ground meat for a tasty twist. Adding Spices or Heat Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also try smoked paprika or Italian herbs for extra flavor. These spices can take your dish to a new level. Incorporating Other Vegetables Feel free to mix in other veggies. Spinach adds color and nutrition. Bell peppers give a nice crunch and sweetness. You can use whatever veggies you have at home. Using Different Cheese Blends Not a fan of mozzarella? Try cheddar or gouda instead. Mixing different cheeses can create exciting flavors. Experiment with cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture. Non-Dairy Cheese Options For dairy-free diets, look for non-dairy cheese. Many options melt well and taste great. You can find almond, soy, or cashew-based cheeses at most stores. To keep your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It can stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. For reheating, I suggest using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This method keeps the cheese gooey and the pasta moist. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the dish. If you must use the microwave, add a splash of water to keep it moist. You can freeze the pasta bake before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with foil. It will last for up to three months. If you bake it first, let it cool before freezing. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave on defrost. After thawing, reheat it in the oven for the best texture. How long does it take to bake? It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake this dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish a day before. Just cover it and put it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. What can I substitute for chicken? You can use shredded beef, turkey, or even tofu. Just make sure to cook it well. This way, you can fit different diets or tastes. How many calories per serving? Each serving has about 400 to 500 calories. This can change based on your choice of cheese and chicken. Is this dish gluten-free? No, this dish is not gluten-free as it uses penne pasta. You can swap the pasta for a gluten-free version to make it suitable. Can I use uncooked chicken? Using uncooked chicken is not recommended. It needs to cook through. Always use cooked chicken for the best flavor and safety. What if my pasta is overcooked? If your pasta is overcooked, it may become mushy. Try to cook it al dente next time. This gives it a better texture in the bake. This blog post shared steps to make a delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake. We covered key ingredients, from pasta to cheeses, and how to cook chicken and veggies. You also learned tips for perfect texture and great flavor. We explored tasty variations and provided storage info. This dish is easy and fun to make. Enjoy it fresh or as leftovers. With simple swaps and enhancements, you can make it your own! I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and create your own tasty version.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

A comforting and cheesy pasta bake with chicken, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 unit onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
  • Stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls and garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan if desired.
Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, comfort food, pasta