Baked Chicken Penne with Mozzarella and Herbs is the perfect combination of hearty, cheesy, and flavorful comfort food. Tender penne pasta is tossed with a savory herb tomato sauce, juicy chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese — then baked to golden, bubbling perfection.
This dish brings all the warmth of home-cooked Italian flavors into one pan. It’s rich, filling, and deeply satisfying, with the creamy mozzarella stretching in every bite and the herbed sauce coating each piece of pasta perfectly.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate family-friendly comfort meal. Every element — from the herby tomato sauce to the melted mozzarella — comes together so beautifully.
The baked cheese crust on top is simply irresistible. It’s also easy to make ahead, ideal for busy evenings or gatherings, and always a hit at potlucks.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This baked penne is a must-try because it blends the classic Italian flavors of tomato, garlic, herbs, and mozzarella in one beautiful casserole.
The baking process deepens the flavors and gives it that irresistible crispy, cheesy top layer.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings
- Serves 4–6 people
Calories (per serving)
- Approximately 520–580 kcal
Cuisine
- Italian-American
Course
- Main Course / Dinner
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)
For Baking:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Simple Cooking Directions
Cook pasta, sauté chicken, make a herby tomato sauce, mix everything together, top with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add penne pasta and cook until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions).
- Drain, drizzle with a little olive oil, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken cubes, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Add onions and sauté until translucent (2–3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Stir in heavy cream or milk for a richer texture (optional).
- Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and mix well.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce.
- Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish.
- Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for an additional 2–3 minutes if you want a golden crust on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this Baked Chicken Penne with Mozzarella and Herbs warm, straight from the oven.
Perfect pairings:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
- A glass of Merlot, Chianti, or sparkling water with lemon
Additional Recipe Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta before baking — it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier melt and stretch.
- For deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce before simmering.
- To make it lighter, use whole-wheat pasta and low-fat mozzarella.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and better texture.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant).
- Spicy Chicken Penne: Add more red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne.
- Creamy Alfredo Penne Bake: Swap tomato sauce with Alfredo sauce for a rich, white sauce version.
- Three-Cheese Penne Bake: Mix mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta for extra cheesiness.
- Herb Lovers’ Bake: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic twist.
Freezing and Storage
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until warm.
Freezing:
- Assemble the dish (without baking), wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50–55 minutes, covered with foil for the first half.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
FAQ
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Q2: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes — ziti, rigatoni, or fusilli work perfectly.
Q3: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free penne pasta and check that your sauces and seasonings are gluten-free.
Q5: How can I make it creamier?
Add ricotta or cream cheese into the sauce before baking for a luscious, creamy version.
Conclusion
Baked Chicken Penne with Mozzarella and Herbs is the definition of comfort food done right. It’s hearty, flavorful, and oozing with melted cheese and Italian goodness. The herby tomato sauce and golden-baked mozzarella make every bite rich, warm, and satisfying.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly delicious — the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
