Baked Mozzarella Penne with Crispy Chicken Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra flavor to the sauce, you can stir in a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like parsley once the cream and parmesan have melted. This simple addition can enhance the overall profile without distracting from the classic cheesy taste that defines this hearty pasta bake.

If you find the sauce is becoming too thick while mixing, add a small splash of the pasta cooking water.

The starch in the water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silkier texture that clings better to the penne. Always adjust the consistency before combining the sauce with the cooked pasta.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Penne: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce while it warms to give the dish a subtle, warming heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Sprinkle a tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning or finely chopped fresh basil over the chicken before baking for an aromatic, herbal flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; note that the texture of the sauce and the crispiness of the chicken may change upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly, or use a microwave for smaller portions.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them into an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

When storing, ensure the lid is sealed tightly to prevent the pasta from drying out or absorbing other odors from the refrigerator environment.

You can boil the pasta and prepare the sauce up to one day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. The chicken is best added just before baking for the crispest texture. Assemble and bake the dish just before serving for the best results.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish directly from the baking dish to showcase the bubbling cheese and crispy chicken topping.

It pairs exceptionally well with a side of simple steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad, which helps balance the richness of the creamy pasta and fried chicken components with fresh, vibrant flavors.

When plating, use a wide spatula to ensure you get a good portion of the creamy, cheese-laden pasta along with a generous piece of the crispy chicken.

Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and stretchy to ensure the best experience, as the sauce will thicken as it cools down on the plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Baked Mozzarella Penne with Crispy Chicken

Prep 10 minCook 25 minRest 5 minTotal 40 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 1/2 lb crispy chicken cutlets, store-bought or made ahead
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup creamy cheese sauce, store-bought or made ahead

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
2. Stir the creamy cheese sauce, half of the mozzarella, and the parmesan into the cooked penne until well combined. Transfer the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets on top of the pasta mixture and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
3. Place the baking dish into an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

720

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

62 g

Fat

38 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

820 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.