Creamy Chicken Mushroom Penne Bake
This creamy chicken mushroom penne bake is the ultimate comfort food recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Made with tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, fresh mushrooms, and a rich creamy sauce, this easy baked pasta dish is topped with melted cheese for a golden, irresistible finish.
Perfect as a quick dinner recipe, this dish is budget-friendly, filling, and kid-approved making it a must-have in your weekly meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy chicken pasta bake ready in under 1 hour
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavor
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Great for leftovers and reheating
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 300 g penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts (about 300 g), sliced
- 250 g fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 150 g shredded cheese (mozzarella or emmental)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Creamy Chicken Penne Bake
Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken pieces for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and sauté until soft and all moisture evaporates.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes to create a rich creamy pasta sauce.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Bake the Pasta
Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle generously with cheese, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley and serve hot for the perfect comforting baked pasta dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Bake
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for an extra crispy cheesy topping
- Add more garlic for deeper flavor
- Toss in spinach or broccoli for a healthier twist
- Mix cheeses (mozzarella + parmesan) for richer taste
Variations
- Swap mushrooms for oyster mushrooms for a stronger flavor
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a faster recipe
- Try whole wheat pasta for a healthier version
Benefits of This Recipe
- High-protein meal from chicken
- Budget-friendly dinner idea
- Quick and easy preparation
- Perfect for family meals and gatherings
- Ideal for meal prep and leftovers