When the weather turns a bit cooler and cozy evenings call for comforting meals, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful choice. Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of garlic, bubbling cheese, and pasta baked to perfection. This dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, a rich and creamy garlic sauce, and pasta that soaks up all the savory flavors, all topped with gooey layers of cheese. It’s easy to see why this comforting casserole has become a family favorite in so many kitchens.
This dish has everything you want in a weeknight dinner—minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and leftovers that taste even better the next day! With a creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan, it’s hearty yet easy to make, perfect for gathering everyone around the dinner table. So, grab your skillet, boil up some pasta, and let’s get this savory pasta bake ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Filling: The creamy sauce and melted cheese make this dish both satisfying and cozy.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Prep the components ahead of time, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This pasta bake appeals to both kids and adults, with a mild, creamy garlic flavor everyone will enjoy.
- Easy to Customize: Add veggies or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. You’ll want to cook it until it’s al dente—firm to the bite, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet (without wiping it clean), add the minced garlic. Sauté it briefly—just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, taking care not to let it burn. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll start to see it thicken slightly as it heats.
4. Add the Cheese to the Sauce
Now, stir in ¾ cup of the Parmesan and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Taste, and add a bit more salt or pepper if needed.
5. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and creamy garlic sauce. Mix well, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated with the sauce.
6. Assemble the Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or non-stick spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for that golden, bubbly finish.
7. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, with just a hint of golden browning.
8. Serve with Garnish
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and watch your family dive into this cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the Spice: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Lighten It Up: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter sauce.
- Add Veggies: For an added layer of flavor, toss in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms when you mix the pasta with the sauce.
- Use Leftovers Wisely: This dish is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Nut-Free
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Opt for sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or ziti. These types hold up well in a bake and have grooves that trap the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Salt the Pasta Water: Adding salt to your pasta water is key for flavor, as it’s the first chance to season the pasta itself. A good rule of thumb is about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 cups of water.
- Cooking Chicken in Batches: If using a smaller skillet, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps achieve a golden crust on each piece.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but often contains anti-caking agents that may prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the best creamy texture, shred your cheese fresh from the block.
- Balancing Sauce Thickness: If your sauce feels too thick, add an extra splash of chicken broth or a bit of milk to adjust the consistency. Keep in mind the sauce should be slightly thick since it will continue to thicken in the oven.
- Customize with Herbs: A dash of fresh or dried basil or rosemary can add extra depth of flavor. Be careful not to add too much as the Italian seasoning already provides a blend of herbs.
Nutritional Information
Calories: Approximately 540 kcal per serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Absolutely! Rigatoni and penne work well, but any short pasta shape like rotini or farfalle will work too.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: What can I substitute for chicken broth?
A: If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a great alternative. In a pinch, water can work, though the flavor will be slightly milder.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover and reheat the entire baking dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Related Recipes
If you loved this creamy pasta bake, here are a few more cheesy delights to try:
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With a rich, garlicky sauce and golden cheese on top, it’s the perfect meal for cozy nights at home or for serving a group. Enjoy every bite of this easy, satisfying pasta bake, and don’t be surprised when your family requests it again and again!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Description
When the weather turns a bit cooler and cozy evenings call for comforting meals, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful choice. Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of garlic, bubbling cheese, and pasta baked to perfection. This dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, a rich and creamy garlic sauce, and pasta that soaks up all the savory flavors, all topped with gooey layers of cheese. It’s easy to see why this comforting casserole has become a family favorite in so many kitchens.
This dish has everything you want in a weeknight dinner—minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and leftovers that taste even better the next day! With a creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan, it’s hearty yet easy to make, perfect for gathering everyone around the dinner table. So, grab your skillet, boil up some pasta, and let’s get this savory pasta bake ready to impress!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. You’ll want to cook it until it’s al dente—firm to the bite, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet (without wiping it clean), add the minced garlic. Sauté it briefly—just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, taking care not to let it burn. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll start to see it thicken slightly as it heats.
4. Add the Cheese to the Sauce
Now, stir in ¾ cup of the Parmesan and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Taste, and add a bit more salt or pepper if needed.
5. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and creamy garlic sauce. Mix well, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated with the sauce.
6. Assemble the Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or non-stick spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for that golden, bubbly finish.
7. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, with just a hint of golden browning.
8. Serve with Garnish
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and watch your family dive into this cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Opt for sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or ziti. These types hold up well in a bake and have grooves that trap the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Salt the Pasta Water: Adding salt to your pasta water is key for flavor, as it’s the first chance to season the pasta itself. A good rule of thumb is about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 cups of water.
- Cooking Chicken in Batches: If using a smaller skillet, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps achieve a golden crust on each piece.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but often contains anti-caking agents that may prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the best creamy texture, shred your cheese fresh from the block.
- Balancing Sauce Thickness: If your sauce feels too thick, add an extra splash of chicken broth or a bit of milk to adjust the consistency. Keep in mind the sauce should be slightly thick since it will continue to thicken in the oven.
- Customize with Herbs: A dash of fresh or dried basil or rosemary can add extra depth of flavor. Be careful not to add too much as the Italian seasoning already provides a blend of herbs.