Rich Half and Half Pasta Bake
Rich Half and Half Pasta Bake
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake
- 6 ounces penne pasta, or other short pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, small, diced
- 3 garlic, cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 1/4 cups half and half
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375
- 2
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min
- 3
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, then slowly add the half and half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min
- 6
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. If using, stir in the cooked chicken breast.
⏱️ 3 min
- 7
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min
- 8
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
⏱️ 2 min
- 9
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 375
- 10
Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Rich Half and Half Pasta Bake
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake
- 6 ounces penne pasta, or other short pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, small, diced
- 3 garlic, cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 1/4 cups half and half
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375 - 2
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min - 3
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, then slowly add the half and half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min - 6
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. If using, stir in the cooked chicken breast.
⏱️ 3 min - 7
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min - 8
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
⏱️ 2 min - 9
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 375 - 10
Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
⏱️ 5 min