This work deals with [Formula: see text] gravity in the background of homogeneous and isotropic flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) space-time model. The main aim of this work is to examine whether the model supports the observational data or not. By using the Noether symmetry analysis, not only the symmetry vector is obtained, but also the coupling function [Formula: see text] in the Lagrangian has been determined. Also, the symmetry analysis identifies a transformation from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in such a way that one of the new variables become cyclic along the direction symmetry vector and as a result the field equations become solvable. Then the solution is analyzed from the observational point of view. Finally, quantum cosmology has been formulated for the present model and the wave function of the universe has been evaluated by solving the Wheeler–DeWitt equation with some assumptions.