Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole: Baked Italian Pasta Dish
This chicken pasta casserole is a hearty Italian dinner. It combines 200 g (about 2 cups) of dry penne pasta with diced chicken breast in a rich sauce of heavy cream, whole milk, and tomato sauce. The dish is finished with 100 g (1 cup) of mozzarella and 50 g (1/2 cup) of Parmesan to create a savoury, golden-baked crust. Chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes provide a sharp contrast to the creamy base.
You must cook the pasta for 8 minutes to ensure it remains al dente. Under-cooking leads to a grainy texture, while over-cooking causes the penne to collapse during the 20 minutes it spends in the oven. You must also preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking. An under-heated oven results in a watery centre rather than a thick, cohesive sauce.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole: Baked Italian Pasta Dish
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
-
Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. This prevents the cheese from sticking to the sides during baking.
-
Cook the pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne for 8 minutes until al dente. Undercooking the pasta now ensures it does not become mushy when it bakes in the sauce.
-
Brown the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 6 minutes until browned to lock in the savoury flavour.
-
Sauté the aromatics
Use the same skillet to sauté diced onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon olive oil for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for 2 minutes until the spinach just wilts.
-
Simmer the sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, milk, and tomato sauce. Stir in the cooked chicken and pasta. Simmer on low for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
-
Mix in cheeses
Stir the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan into the mixture. Taste and adjust the salt or pepper now. The cheese should be partially melted to bind the casserole together.
-
Bake the casserole
Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. You want to see the top bubbling with a light golden colour.
-
Rest and garnish
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set for a cleaner slice. Garnish with chopped parsley if you wish.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 200 °C (400 °F) before baking. If the oven is under-heated, the sauce will not set properly, resulting in a watery centre. Sauté chicken in batches if your skillet is small to prevent steaming and ensure a brown crust.
What to serve with it
Pair this savoury bake with a crisp Caesar or mixed-greens salad dressed in homemade vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette works well to soak up the cream sauce. For added colour and nutrients, serve a side of steamed broccoli or roasted carrots alongside the casserole.
Storing and reheating
Keep cooked casserole uncovered in a shallow container for up to 2 hours before refrigerating. For long-term storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to freeze for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the texture before you reheat the dish for serving.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 645
- Protein
- 38.2 g
- Carbs
- 32.5 g
- Fat
- 39.1 g
- Fiber
- 3.4 g
- Sugar
- 7.8 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
Made it? Rate it.
Questions people ask
What is the best chicken casserole with pasta?
A version using al dente penne and a tomato-cream sauce is ideal. Undercooking the pasta by 2 minutes ensures it does not become mushy during the 20 minutes it spends baking in the oven.
Why is it called "marry me chicken pasta"?
This name refers to a popular style of creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes. The combination of rich cream, garlic, and savoury tomatoes creates a flavour profile often described as impressive enough to inspire a proposal.
What is a million dollar chicken casserole?
No, this is not a million dollar casserole. Those typically use a base of cream of mushroom soup or sour cream. This version relies on a fresh reduction of heavy cream, milk, and tomato sauce.
