Baked Cheesy Chicken Penne: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish

Indulge in the Irresistible Creaminess of Cheesy Chicken Penne

Looking for a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in? Baked Cheesy Chicken Penne is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a luscious cheese sauce. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this dish is the epitome of creamy, cheesy goodness. Get ready to savor each bite of this mouthwatering comfort food.

Ingredients:

For the Cheesy Chicken Penne:

2 cups cooked chicken breasts, diced or shredded
12 oz (about 3 cups) penne pasta, cooked al dente
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish.

2. Cook the Pasta:

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it turns a light golden color.
Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth sauce. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme. Stir until the seasonings are well incorporated.

4. Assemble the Dish:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked penne pasta, and the cheesy sauce. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated in butter.

6. Add the Breadcrumb Topping:

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the cheesy chicken and penne.

7. Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the Baked Cheesy Chicken Penne to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness.

Tips:

You can add extra flavor by incorporating sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach into the dish.
To make this dish even heartier, add crispy bacon bits to the cheesy chicken and penne mixture.

Variations:

For a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Customize the cheese blend with your favorites, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.

Cook’s Note:

Baked Cheesy Chicken Penne is a versatile dish that can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and golden breadcrumb topping is a winning formula that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!