Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Yes, but increase baking time to 35-40 minutes. Bone-in pieces retain more moisture. Cut larger pieces into 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly with the pasta.
Do I cook the pasta before baking?
No. Use uncooked penne; it cooks directly in the baking dish as the cheese and tomato juices hydrate it. Stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this ahead?
Assemble the dish up to 8 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to bake time. You can also prepare individual components and combine just before baking.
What if I don't have Boursin cheese?
Use 4 oz cream cheese plus 1 tbsp Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence mixed in. The Boursin adds herb flavor, so seasoning the cream cheese replacement is key.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest piece. Check with an instant-read thermometer around 25-30 minutes into baking.