Baked Chicken and Mushroom Pasta with Pizza Cheese – A Cheesy, Gooey Delight for Cheese Lovers

According to SaedNews Cooking Service, Although many people look for lighter versions such as cream-free pasta or enjoy experimenting with alternative flavors like yogurt and caramelized onion pasta, cheesy pasta dishes still hold a special place in home cooking menus. With this recipe, you can prepare a fragrant homemade baked pasta that is perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 450 g

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: 2 pieces

• Mushrooms: 230 g

• Butter: 4 tablespoons

• Garlic: 3 cloves

• All-purpose flour: 1.4 cups

• Soy sauce: 1.4 cups

• Heavy cream: 2 cups

• Pizza cheese: 1 cup

• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup

• Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup

• Spinach: 110 g

• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons

• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare pasta and preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions for about 8–10 minutes until al dente.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. It is better to keep it slightly firm so it maintains its texture during baking.

Step 2: Cook chicken and mushrooms

Wash and dry the chicken breasts, then cut them into small, even pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until fully cooked and golden.

Remove the chicken, then in the same pan, add chopped mushrooms and cook over high heat until their moisture evaporates and they become lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the cheesy sauce

Melt butter over medium heat, then briefly sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce and stir for about one minute.

Add flour and cook for 1–2 minutes over low heat to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually add heavy cream while stirring continuously until smooth. After 4–5 minutes, when the sauce thickens, add pizza cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar. Stir until fully melted and creamy.

Note: Reserve about half a cup of the shredded cheese for the final baking step.

Step 4: Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, mushrooms, and chopped spinach. Add the hot cheese sauce and mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the surface.

Step 5: Bake the pasta

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown.

Let it rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven so it sets slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips for Best Results

• Pasta choice matters: Penne or rigatoni are ideal because they hold the sauce inside.

• Al dente texture: Slightly undercook pasta so it doesn’t become soft in the oven.

• Cheese combination: Mozzarella for stretchiness, cheddar or parmesan for deeper flavor.

• Sauce consistency: It should be neither too thick nor too runny. Adjust with a little milk or pasta water if needed.

• Avoid dryness: Fully cover the surface with cheese to lock in moisture.

• Rest before serving: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so it holds its shape better when cut.