Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce all baked to golden perfection. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering savory flavor in every cheesy bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breastspasta (penne or rotini preferred)garlicclovesolive oilbutterall-purpose flourchicken brothheavy creamgrated Parmesan cheeseshredded mozzarella cheesesaltblack pepperItalian seasoningfresh parsley (for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook diced chicken until no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth and thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, stirring to combine well.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes
Variations
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Try different cheeses like provolone or Gouda for a flavor twist.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole and bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble it ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the sauce well.
Is this dish very rich?
Yes, it’s creamy and indulgent—perfect for a cozy meal.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and thick.
Can I make it without baking?
Yes, simply combine the cooked ingredients and serve directly if preferred.
Can I use low-fat cheese?
Yes, but it may not melt as smoothly or taste as rich.
Does it freeze well?
Yes, freeze before baking for best texture and flavor.
What herbs go well with this?
Parsley, thyme, or basil all pair nicely with the garlic-Parmesan flavors.
Can I add breadcrumbs?
Yes, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with rich, cheesy flavor. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, it’s a fantastic option for busy nights or make-ahead dinners. Indulge in this creamy, savory dish and make it a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintCreamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and comforting pasta bake featuring tender chicken, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and baked to golden perfection with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *