Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Bake

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend treat, look no further than this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Bake. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce layered over perfectly cooked penne pasta, this dish is the epitome of comfort food done right. It’s easy to prepare, packed with rich flavors, and topped with gooey melted cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Bake apart is the harmonious blend of simple ingredients transformed into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. The combination of juicy chicken breast and fresh mushrooms sautéed with garlic and onion creates a savory base that melds beautifully with the creamy sauce. The use of both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses adds a depth of flavor and a perfect meltiness that rounds out each bite.

Plus, baking the pasta in the oven allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to develop a golden crust, elevating this dish from a simple pasta dinner to a crowd-pleasing casserole. It’s an effortless way to bring restaurant-quality comfort food to your table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 8 oz penne pasta: Al dente pasta holds up wonderfully in the creamy sauce and bake.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing chicken and vegetables, adding a subtle fruitiness.
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced: Adds umami depth and earthy flavor to the dish.
• 1 small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and aroma.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory note.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich and silky sauce that coats the pasta.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavors.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it enriches the sauce.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, bubbly topping.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with mushrooms and chicken.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and highlight all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Large pot: For boiling the penne pasta to al dente perfection.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: To cook the chicken and sauté the mushrooms, onion, and garlic.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and chicken mixture.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch): To assemble and bake the pasta bake until bubbly and golden.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients together.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy with liquids and seasonings.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Bake, Made Easy

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat and gently fold in the cooked penne pasta until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the creamy chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown around the edges. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

In-Season Swaps

• Swap mushrooms for sautéed zucchini or eggplant during summer months for a lighter twist.
• Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a brighter herbal note when available.
• Replace penne pasta with rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture that holds the sauce well.
• Add spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a boost of greens and color.

What I Learned Testing

• Cooking the pasta just until al dente is crucial; it prevents mushiness after baking.
• Sautéing mushrooms separately ensures they brown nicely and don’t turn rubbery.
• Combining the cheeses balances flavor and meltability; Parmesan alone can be too sharp.
• Letting the sauce simmer slightly thickens it, so it clings beautifully to the pasta.

Storage Pro Tips

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Bake is fantastic for leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and microwave gently or reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Ask & Learn

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works best to hold the sauce, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli are excellent alternatives and will soak up the creamy sauce just as well.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and mozzarella. Keep in mind the flavor will be different but still delicious.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the pasta bake a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with this pasta bake?

It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a cozy meal, try serving it alongside Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne for an extra cheesy indulgence or balance it with lighter sides like steamed broccoli.

Reader Favorites

• Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne – Another cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for a hearty dinner.
• Mushroom Marsala Style Tagliatelle No Wine – A rich and comforting mushroom pasta with deep flavors, great for mushroom lovers.

The Last Word

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect dish to bring people together around the table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it offers a luxurious comfort food experience that’s satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Enjoy the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese in every bite—you’ll be making this one again and again!

From the first spoonful to the last cheesy bite, this dish embodies everything we love about hearty, home-cooked meals. And if you’re interested in trying other delicious pasta bakes or mushroom dishes, don’t forget to check out the links above for more inspiration. Happy cooking!

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