Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of our Creamy Baked Penne Pasta. This dish is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness that will delight your taste buds. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal that feels both luxurious and comforting. Here’s our step-by-step guide to making this mouthwatering pasta dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Base:
Ingredient |
Quantity |
Cream Cheese |
300 grams |
Penne Pasta |
400 grams |
Alfredo Sauce |
400 grams |
Grated Mozzarella Cheese |
250 grams |
Heavy Cream |
400 milliliters |
Chicken Broth |
400 milliliters |
Grated Parmesan Cheese |
100 grams |
Unsalted Butter |
80 grams (cut into small cubes) |
Seasonings:
Ingredient |
Quantity |
Salt |
Pinch |
Black Pepper |
Pinch |
Garlic Paste |
4 teaspoons |
Dried Parsley |
Pinch |
Additional Ingredients:
Ingredient |
Quantity |
Fried Chicken Breast |
1 (cut into strips) |
Grated Mozzarella Cheese |
200 grams |
Parsley |
To taste |
Preparation
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- In a large ovenproof dish, spread 300 grams of cream cheese evenly across the bottom. This forms the creamy base of your pasta.
Add the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add 400 grams of uncooked penne pasta into the dish.
- Pour 400 grams of Alfredo sauce over the pasta, ensuring it covers the pasta evenly.
Add the Cheeses:
- Sprinkle 250 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the pasta and sauce. This will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer.
Season the Mixture:
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Add 4 teaspoons of garlic paste for a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley for a hint of herbal taste.
Add Liquids:
- Pour 400 milliliters of heavy cream and 400 milliliters of chicken broth into the dish. These liquids will cook the pasta and create a luxurious, creamy sauce.
Add Parmesan and Butter:
- Sprinkle 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture for an extra cheesy kick.
- Dot the top with 80 grams of unsalted butter cut into small cubes. The butter will melt and blend with the other ingredients, adding richness.
Baking
First Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. This initial baking time allows the pasta to cook and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adding Chicken and Final Baking
Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta is baking, fry one chicken breast until golden brown and fully cooked. Cut it into strips for easy mixing.
Add Chicken and Additional Cheese:
- After the initial bake, remove the dish from the oven.
- Add the fried chicken strips to the dish and mix well.
- Sprinkle an additional 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the top. This will create a delectable, cheesy crust.
Final Bake:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake until the mozzarella cheese on top melts and turns a beautiful golden brown.
Finishing Touches
Garnish:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley to taste. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy pasta.