Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe! With its creamy garlic sauce, juicy chicken, and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even entertaining guests, this pasta bake is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food.

Instructions

Now, let’s break down the steps to prepare this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake from scratch.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a generous amount of salt and pepper on both sides. If you have time, let them sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Make sure not to overcook the pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. You can drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Make a Roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the melted butter and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add the Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the Cheese and Seasoning: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Continue to stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

1. Combine the Chicken and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and the garlic Parmesan sauce. Stir everything together gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the chicken pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake. For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs on top as well. The breadcrumbs will become golden and crispy as the dish bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Pasta

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Broil (Optional): For a crispier top, you can turn on the broiler during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch it carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Once your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve this creamy, cheesy pasta bake with a side of salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Pasta Bake

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, make sure you cook it al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooking it initially can result in mushy pasta after baking.
2. Shred the Chicken in Advance: If you’re short on time, you can cook and shred the chicken ahead of time. This will make the assembly of the dish much quicker.
3. Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: Feel free to add some vegetables to the pasta bake to make it more hearty and nutritious. Roasted broccoli, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms would complement the garlic Parmesan flavor beautifully.
4. Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and stir it into the pasta sauce for an even quicker meal.
5. Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
6. Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well, so you can make it in advance and freeze it for later. After assembling the pasta bake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the foil and plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for about 50-60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version of this dish, simply swap out the chicken for roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. You can also add some sautéed spinach or artichoke hearts for additional flavor.
2. Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the sauce mixture, or use a spicy variety of Parmesan cheese to bring some heat to the dish.
3. Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb version, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. You’ll still get all the creamy goodness of the sauce without the carbs.
4. Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta Bake: If you prefer a richer Alfredo-style sauce, substitute the Parmesan with extra cream cheese and heavy cream. This will result in an ultra-creamy texture that’s perfect for pasta bakes.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a satisfying and easy-to-make dinner that combines the richness of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tender chicken with the heartiness of pasta. With a creamy sauce, melted cheese, and a golden, crispy topping, this dish is a perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, preparing meals for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients or make adjustments based on dietary preferences.

Yield: 8

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Print

Are you looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner that's packed with flavor? Look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe! With its creamy garlic sauce, juicy chicken, and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even entertaining guests, this pasta bake is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (al dente). Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the garlic sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, and cook for about 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
7. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Top with extra cheese: Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a cheesy, golden finish.
9. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a mixture of milk and a little flour to thicken it.

You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker, no-cook option.

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.