Recipes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

By Martha

Everyday Kitchen Bliss!

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that brings everyone to the table. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is no exception. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, this dish is baked to golden perfection. The aroma of garlic, parmesan, and melted cheese fills the kitchen, making it impossible to resist. This dish has become a family favorite, not just because of its rich flavors, but also because it’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a potluck. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) are just as tasty the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Comforting and Satisfying: It’s the ultimate comfort food with creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
  • Family-Friendly: The mild flavors of garlic and parmesan are loved by both kids and adults.
  • Customizable: You can easily add in extra vegetables, switch up the pasta type, or even use leftover chicken for a quicker meal.
  • Make-Ahead Meal: You can prepare it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making it ideal for busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (for creaminess)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
  3. Whisk in the Milk and Cheese: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the chicken you set aside, and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the top. If you’re using breadcrumbs, now is the time to sprinkle them for that extra crunchy finish.
  6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If you want an even crispier top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!

Helpful Tips:

  • Pasta Choice: Use short pasta like penne or rotini for the best texture. These types of pasta hold onto the sauce, making each bite deliciously creamy.
  • Make It Faster: If you’re short on time, using leftover rotisserie chicken can save you the step of cooking the chicken from scratch.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra nutrition, try adding a handful of spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta mix before baking.
  • Crispy Topping: If you like a crunchy topping, use panko breadcrumbs for a light, crispy texture. Broil for the last couple of minutes for extra crunch.

Recipe Details:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian
  • Diet: Can be made gluten-free with the right pasta and flour

Notes:

  • Cheese Substitutes: If you’re out of parmesan, you can use pecorino romano or even extra mozzarella in a pinch.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, and use gluten-free pasta for a completely gluten-free version.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta bake up until the baking step. Cover it and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the bake and let it cool completely before freezing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What other vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli are great additions. Sauté them lightly before adding to the pasta for the best flavor.

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Related Recipes

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Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is everything you could want in a cozy dinner—warm, creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a hearty meal to share with family, this dish is sure to please. And the best part? It’s simple to make, customizable to your taste, and perfect for leftovers. Give it a try, and don’t forget to top it with fresh parsley for a final pop of color.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake


  • Author: Martha

Description

There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that brings everyone to the table. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is no exception. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, this dish is baked to golden perfection.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (for creaminess)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate.
  • Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
  • Whisk in the Milk and Cheese: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the chicken you set aside, and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the top. If you’re using breadcrumbs, now is the time to sprinkle them for that extra crunchy finish.
  • Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If you want an even crispier top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!

Notes

  • Cheese Substitutes: If you’re out of parmesan, you can use pecorino romano or even extra mozzarella in a pinch.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, and use gluten-free pasta for a completely gluten-free version.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.


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