Name: Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or favorite shape); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half; 4 oz cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herbs; Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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I make Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta when I want a comforting, cheesy meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty mozzarella. It’s a family favorite that feels indulgent yet homemade.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about this recipe is how the creamy sauce perfectly coats the pasta and chicken, while the mozzarella adds a gooey, golden topping. Baking it all together lets the flavors meld beautifully, making it a satisfying and warm dish any night of the week.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• olive oil
• garlic, minced
• heavy cream or half-and-half
• cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• shredded mozzarella cheese
• grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning or dried herbs
• fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then draining and setting it aside. Meanwhile, I season and sauté the chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then slice or dice it. In the same pan, I sauté minced garlic, then add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. I season the sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Next, I toss the cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce, then transfer everything to a greased baking dish. I top it generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. I garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep and cooking take around 40 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. Using smoked mozzarella adds a subtle smoky taste. For a lighter version, I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use part-skim mozzarella.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out when baking?

I ensure there’s enough sauce to coat the pasta and cover the dish loosely with foil if needed.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it ahead and refrigerate before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What cheese works best for topping?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but I also like a mix with Parmesan for flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is one of my favorite comforting dishes that combines rich, cheesy sauce with tender chicken and pasta. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for satisfying dinner cravings.