Description
A hearty and comforting dish combining tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a rich garlic cream sauce baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups penne or rotini pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts (cubed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add mozzarella and stir until gooey. Adjust thickness with pasta water if needed.
- Combine:
- Mix the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with extra mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. It’s perfect for thinning the sauce if it becomes too thick while mixing.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to settle, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min