Valentine Pasta Bake with Cream Sauce

Name: Valentine Pasta Bake with Cream Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup spinach, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I can't think of a better way to celebrate love than with a heartwarming dish like this Valentine Pasta Bake with Cream Sauce. Each layer of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese combines to create a cozy and indulgent experience. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, this bake is sure to impress. I've put my heart into perfecting this recipe, adding a touch of love in every bite. Join me in creating a dish that will make your taste buds sing!

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-01-07T11:40:08.995Z

When I first made this Valentine Pasta Bake, I wanted it to be not only delicious but also visually appealing. I experimented with various cheeses to find the perfect blend, eventually settling on a mix of mozzarella and parmesan. The combination provides that gooey texture we all love and an added depth of flavor.

One of my favorite parts of making this dish is the cream sauce. I take the time to let it simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This extra step results in a silky sauce that clings to the pasta just perfectly. Trust me, this is one bake that you won’t want to skip!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy and luxurious sauce that envelops every pasta piece
Cheesy layers that create a delightful richness
Perfect comfort food for celebrating any special occasion

      

Choosing the Right Pasta

For this Valentine Pasta Bake, penne is a fantastic choice due to its ability to hold the creamy sauce and integrate well with other ingredients. Its tubular shape ensures each bite contains the perfect balance of pasta, chicken, and sauce. However, if penne isn't available, consider rigatoni or fusilli, both of which offer a similar texture and sauce-holding capability.

When cooking the penne, aim for 'al dente' texture, which means the pasta should still have a slight bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy during the bake. Watch the clock carefully as you drain it; you may want to cook it one to two minutes less than the package suggests since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Enhancing the Cream Sauce

The cream sauce in this recipe is where the magic happens; it binds the dish together with its luxurious texture. To achieve a glossy and rich sauce, ensure you sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but avoid browning it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Maintain medium heat when adding the heavy cream for the best emulsification, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly.

You can customize your cream sauce by adding a hint of lemon zest or a splash of white wine while it simmers. Both will enhance the flavor profile, offering a delightful brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cream.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake

300g penne pasta
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Cream Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, then stir in the chopped basil.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and half of the cream sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture, followed by half of the remaining cream sauce and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Valentine Pasta Bake!

Pro Tips

To give your bake a touch of elegance, sprinkle some extra fresh basil and grated parmesan on top just before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing the Valentine Pasta Bake in advance is not only possible but practical for busy schedules. You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead, stopping right before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to enjoy it, bake it straight from the fridge; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

If you find yourself with excess ingredients, consider making double the amount and freezing one portion before baking. Just ensure you wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed, keeping an eye on the bake to ensure it warms evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing this Valentine Pasta Bake with a light salad can help balance the richness of the dish. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette works perfectly, adding a fresh and peppery note that complements the creamy pasta. For added texture, you may add sliced cucumbers or toasted nuts to your salad.

When it comes to serving this dish, don't forget the finishing touch of fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving. It not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the visual appeal and overall flavor. A sprinkle of extra parmesan can take it to the next level, making the dish feel fancy and special.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you love will work well in this bake.

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can this be frozen?

Yes, this pasta bake freezes well. Just make sure it's fully cooled before sealing in a freezer-safe container.