Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Delicious Dinners

Combining creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake with hearty comfort creates a magical dinner solution.

Cheese melts into golden layers that promise pure satisfaction.

Weeknight meals deserve something special beyond basic recipes.

pasta lovers will appreciate how simple ingredients blend into an extraordinary dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestled between perfectly cooked noodles guarantee deliciousness in every single bite.

Home kitchens can easily recreate this restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.

Let’s unlock the secret to making a crowd-pleasing dinner that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!”.

Reasons to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Tackle Comfort Cooking: Dive into a warm, cheesy pasta dish that wraps you in pure comfort and satisfaction.
• Master Quick Weeknight Meal: Prepare a delicious dinner that comes together fast, perfect for busy families craving a hearty, flavorful solution.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken or adding vegetables to match your taste and pantry supplies.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Strategy: Impress everyone from kids to adults with a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A hearty base that provides the foundation for this comforting dish.
• Chicken: A protein-rich component that adds substance and flavor to the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: A flavorful cheese that brings a rich, savory taste to the dish.

• Butter: Creates a smooth and rich base for the creamy sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Milk, Chicken Broth: Liquid ingredients that form the creamy sauce base.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that provide a melty, golden topping.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh and colorful finish to the dish.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the sauce.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta until it’s perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

The foundation of our cheesy adventure is ready!

Step 3: Sizzle the Garlic

Grab a large skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance and become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

Sprinkle in flour and whisk it around for a quick 1-2 minutes.

This creates a silky smooth base for our creamy sauce.

Step 5: Whip Up the Sauce

Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously.

Watch the magic happen as the sauce transforms and thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Season and Cheese It Up

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts into a dreamy, creamy blend.

Step 7: Combine the Goodness

In a large mixing bowl, unite the cooked pasta and chicken with the luscious sauce. Make sure everything gets a delicious coating.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and serve this mouthwatering masterpiece piping hot. Get ready for comfort food heaven!

Tips to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer, more authentic flavor instead of pre-packaged cheese.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender meat.
• Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Add extra herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the overall taste profile and create depth in the dish.
• Swap regular milk with whole milk or half-and-half for a creamier, more indulgent sauce that coats pasta perfectly.

Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce flour and use cream cheese to thicken sauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Replace Parmesan and mozzarella with nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Side Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Weeknight Family Feast: Serve this hearty pasta bake as a complete meal with a crisp green salad and garlic bread on the side.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this cheesy chicken pasta to gatherings, presenting it in a beautiful casserole dish that keeps the meal warm and inviting.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats perfectly in the microwave.
• Gourmet Game Night: Pair the dish with a light white wine and serve as a comforting main course during casual entertaining with friends.

Storage Advice for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer pasta to a shallow, wide container to help it cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.

FAQs

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese make this pasta bake a crowd-pleaser that children typically love. The mild garlic and cheese flavors are not too intense for young palates.

• Can I use different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with cooked shredded turkey, diced ham, or even canned tuna for a quick protein swap. Just ensure the protein is pre-cooked before mixing into the pasta.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the flour and butter roux continuously and add milk and broth gradually while stirring. This technique helps create a smooth, creamy sauce without any unwanted lumps.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake combines creamy sauce with tender chicken and perfectly seasoned pasta. Comfort meets gourmet in this irresistible dish that will satisfy your deepest cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups (300 grams) cooked, cubed chicken breast

Cheese:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and lightly golden.
4. Sprinkle flour into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Slowly pour milk and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a creamy consistency.
6. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then incorporate Parmesan cheese until fully melted and integrated.
7. Combine the prepared sauce with cooked pasta and shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even coating.
8. Transfer the creamy mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
9. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Choose tender chicken breast or thighs for the most succulent meat texture.
• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling to prevent mushiness during baking.
• Allow sauce to thicken naturally without rushing the process for smooth, creamy consistency.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour or cornstarch as alternative thickening agent for celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg