Baked Creamy Chicken Pasta By CookingwithHelly

Creamy baked chicken pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce. Here's a recipe for you:

**Ingredients:**

- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) penne pasta or any pasta of your choice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish.

2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's no longer pink and has a nice sear, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

5. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Add minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, mushrooms (if using), and spinach or kale (if using). Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

6. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.

8. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

9. Add the cooked pasta and the seared chicken to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly.

10. Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

12. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve hot.

This baked creamy chicken pasta makes a satisfying and indulgent meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste. Enjoy!