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