If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this creamy baked penne pasta is exactly what you need. Inspired by a clever Italian pasta hack, this dish combines rich cream cheese, velvety Alfredo sauce, and a trio of cheeses to create a baked pasta that’s perfectly tender and bursting with flavor.
Finished with golden strips of fried chicken and more melted mozzarella, it’s the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite from the very first bite. Whether you’re cooking for guests or making a weeknight dinner extra special, this cheesy pasta bake delivers in every way.
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 300 grams cream cheese
- 400 grams uncooked penne pasta
- 400 grams Alfredo sauce
- 250 grams grated mozzarella cheese
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 400 ml chicken broth
- 100 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 80 grams unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Seasonings
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 4 teaspoons garlic paste
- Pinch of dried parsley
Topping and Protein
- 1 fried chicken breast, cut into strips
- 200 grams grated mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your pasta bake goes in.
Layer the Cream Cheese
Take a large oven-safe baking dish and spread 300 grams of cream cheese evenly across the bottom. This forms the flavorful base that will melt into the pasta as it bakes.
Add Pasta and Build the Mixture
Add Pasta and Sauce
Pour the uncooked penne pasta directly over the cream cheese layer. Next, pour in the Alfredo sauce, ensuring the pasta is mostly covered.
Layer the Cheese
Sprinkle 250 grams of grated mozzarella evenly across the pasta and sauce.
Season the Mixture
Add a pinch of salt and black pepper, followed by 4 teaspoons of garlic paste for a bold, savory kick. Sprinkle dried parsley over the top for a hint of herbaceous aroma.
Pour in the Liquids
Add the heavy cream and chicken broth. These will soak into the pasta as it bakes, creating a rich, creamy texture.
Top with Parmesan and Butter
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture. Dot the dish with cubes of unsalted butter, allowing them to melt into the sauce and enhance the flavor.
First Round of Baking
Bake the Pasta
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes. The pasta will cook in the cream and broth while the cheese melts and combines into a luscious sauce.
Prepare Chicken and Final Bake
Fry the Chicken
While the pasta is baking, fry one chicken breast in a pan with a bit of oil until golden brown and fully cooked through. Slice it into strips.
Add Chicken and More Cheese
After the initial bake, remove the dish from the oven. Stir gently to incorporate everything and ensure the pasta is evenly coated in sauce. Add the fried chicken strips and mix into the pasta.
Sprinkle the remaining 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Finish and Serve
Garnish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to brighten the dish and add visual appeal.
Serve Hot
Scoop onto plates while warm and creamy. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Ensure Even Coverage: Spread the cream cheese and distribute the liquids well so that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
- Use High-Quality Cheeses: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan make a noticeable difference in meltability and flavor.
- Monitor Moisture: If the pasta seems dry before the second bake, add a splash more cream or broth.
- Soften Butter First: Room-temperature butter spreads more easily and melts evenly into the sauce.
- Cook Pasta In-Dish: No pre-boiling needed—the pasta cooks perfectly in the oven thanks to the liquid mix.
Flavor Variations
Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli before baking. You can also use roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Spicy Alfredo Bake
Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture for a gentle heat. Spicy chicken strips also work well.
Seafood Twist
Replace the fried chicken with cooked shrimp or chunks of crab meat. Top with a squeeze of lemon and fresh basil after baking.
Herb Lovers’ Edition
Incorporate herbs like thyme, rosemary, or fresh basil into the sauce for a more aromatic flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: A must-have side to mop up the creamy sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with a tangy dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add balance with oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this creamy dish.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
You can assemble the entire dish (without baking) up to a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge, then bake when ready. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Freezing Tips
Freeze the baked pasta in individual portions. Reheat straight from frozen in the microwave or thaw overnight before baking in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cooked pasta instead of baking it raw?
Yes, but reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes and cut back on the liquids slightly since cooked pasta won’t absorb as much.
What kind of Alfredo sauce works best?
You can use store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience or make your own with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan for more flavor.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely. Ziti, rigatoni, or rotini work well, as long as they have ridges to hold onto the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and check that your Alfredo sauce and chicken broth are gluten-free.
Can I make it lighter?
Use light cream, low-fat cream cheese, and grilled chicken to reduce the richness. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
This creamy baked penne pasta with Alfredo, three cheeses, and chicken is pure indulgence in a dish. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly customizable. From the silky cream cheese base to the golden topping of melted mozzarella, every bite is rich, warm, and comforting.
Once you try this method of baking pasta directly with the sauce, you might never go back to boiling it separately again. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe guarantees happy plates and full bellies.