Creamy Chicken & Cheese Penne Bake
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Chicken & Cheese Penne Bake. This one-dish meal combines tender chicken breast with al dente penne pasta, enveloped in a rich, smooth cheese sauce made from both mozzarella and colby-monterey jack cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will love. Serve hot, bubbly, and garnished with freshly chopped herbs for a delightful finishing touch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breast
1 lb (cubed and cooked)
flour
1 tablespoon (none)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
colby-monterey jack cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
penne pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
butter
2 tablespoons (none)
half-and-half
8 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4
Slowly whisk in the half-and-half, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Reduce the heat to low and add the mozzarella and colby-monterey jack cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked penne pasta, and cheese sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
7
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken & Cheese Penne Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breast with penne pasta in a rich, smooth cheese sauce.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need chicken breast, flour, mozzarella cheese, colby-monterey jack cheese, penne pasta, butter, and half-and-half.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of chicken breast, which should be cubed and cooked.
What type of pasta should I use?
Penne pasta is the recommended shape for this bake.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I make the cheese sauce base?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour for a minute, then slowly whisk in 8 ounces of half-and-half.
Which cheeses are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella and 8 ounces of shredded colby-monterey jack cheese.
How do I incorporate the cheese into the sauce?
Reduce the heat to low and stir the shredded cheeses into the thickened cream mixture until completely melted and smooth.
What size baking dish is needed?
Use a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the assembly in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions specify using cubed and cooked chicken breast, so rotisserie chicken or leftovers work well.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as a hearty meal that is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 simple ingredients used in this dish.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let the bake cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
What can I use as a garnish?
Freshly chopped herbs make a delightful finishing touch for this creamy dish.
What is the texture of the final dish?
It is described as having a rich, smooth, and creamy cheese sauce that envelopes the pasta and chicken.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions recommend transferring the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
What is 'al dente' pasta?
Al dente refers to pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite, which prevents it from becoming mushy during the baking process.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
While half-and-half provides a creamy texture, you could use whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.
How much penne pasta do I need?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it combines protein, carbohydrates, and sauce into a single baking dish.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The primary flavors are creamy, cheesy, and savory from the chicken and blend of mozzarella and colby-jack.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily stir in steamed broccoli or peas before baking.
Is this dish easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' with straightforward instructions.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as comfort food and a pasta bake.
How do I prepare the cheeses?
Both the mozzarella and the colby-monterey jack cheese should be shredded before adding to the sauce.
What heat level should I use to melt the cheese?
The heat should be reduced to low when stirring in the cheese to ensure a smooth, non-grainy sauce.
Can this be prepared ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it, then bake it when ready, though you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.