I learned this amazing pasta hack from a friend in Italy, and now I only make pasta like this. It’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
- For the Base:
- 300 grams of cream cheese
- 400 grams of penne pasta
- 400 grams of Alfredo sauce
- 250 grams of grated mozzarella cheese
- 400 milliliters of heavy cream
- 400 milliliters of chicken broth
- 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
- 80 grams of unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- Seasonings:
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 4 teaspoons of garlic paste
- Pinch of dried parsley
- Additional Ingredients:
- 1 fried chicken breast, cut into strips
- 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese
- Parsley to taste
Instructions:
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- In a large ovenproof dish, start by adding 300 grams of cream cheese. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Add the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add 400 grams of uncooked penne pasta to the dish.
- Pour in 400 grams of Alfredo sauce over the pasta.
- Add the Cheeses:
- Sprinkle 250 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the pasta and sauce.
- Season the Mixture:
- Season everything with a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and 4 teaspoons of garlic paste.
- Add a pinch of dried parsley for a hint of herbal flavor.
- Add Liquids:
- Pour in 400 milliliters of heavy cream and 400 milliliters of chicken broth. These liquids will help cook the pasta and create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan and Butter:
- Sprinkle 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture.
- Dot the top with 80 grams of unsalted butter cut into small cubes. The butter will melt and combine with the other ingredients, adding richness and flavor.
Baking
- First Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. This will allow the pasta to cook and the flavors to meld together.
Adding Chicken and Final Baking
- Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta is baking, fry one chicken breast until golden brown and fully cooked. Cut it into strips.
- Add Chicken and Additional Cheese:
- After the initial bake, remove the dish from the oven.
- Add the fried chicken strips to the dish and mix well.
- Sprinkle an additional 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Final Bake:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake until the mozzarella cheese on top melts and turns a beautiful golden brown.
Finishing Touches
- Garnish:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley to taste. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy pasta.
- Serve:
- Serve the pasta hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Tips for Success
- Even Cooking: Ensure the cream cheese is evenly spread and all pasta is well-coated with the liquids to avoid any dry spots.
- Cheese Quality: Use good quality cheeses for the best flavor.
- Chicken Variations: You can use grilled or baked chicken if you prefer a healthier option.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Adding a bit of chili flakes can give it a spicy kick.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
- Seafood Twist: Add cooked shrimp or crab meat instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with other herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
This creamy baked penne pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of cream cheese, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. The added chicken makes it a hearty and satisfying meal. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why I only make pasta like this now. Enjoy this delicious dish and share the recipe with friends and family. See you next recipe, bye!
