The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Ever

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake that promises comfort and flavor in every single bite.

Creamy sauce mingles with tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

pasta lovers will appreciate the simple yet elegant approach to this classic dish.

Melted cheese blankets each noodle with rich, golden goodness that feels like a warm hug.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add a bright, aromatic touch that awakens your senses.

Cheese pulls stretch dramatically when you scoop out a hearty portion, making this meal impossible to resist.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible culinary creation that turns an ordinary evening into a celebration of taste.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake To Try

• Tackle Leftovers Smartly: Transform yesterday's chicken and pasta into a delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole that breathes new life into forgotten ingredients.
• Create Comfort in Minutes: Whip up a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen effort and maximum satisfaction.
• Family Feast Champion: Packed with protein, loaded with cheese, and bursting with garlic goodness, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this one-pan meal simplifies cooking while offering a gourmet experience that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Shredded Chicken: The primary protein that adds hearty texture and flavor to the pasta bake.

• Pasta: The foundational ingredient that provides a comforting and filling base for the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: A delicious combination that creates a creamy, melty topping with rich, tangy flavor.

• Butter, Flour: Key ingredients that help create a smooth and thick sauce base.
• Milk, Chicken Broth: Liquids that contribute to the creamy sauce consistency.

• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that provide depth and balance to the overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal finish to the dish.

Step-By-Step Guide For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) to get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Create Garlic Butter Base

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Build a Silky Sauce Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture and stir for a minute to create a smooth base.

Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until the sauce becomes velvety and lump-free.

Step 4: Season and Thicken the Sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheesy Goodness

Stir in Parmesan cheese and half the mozzarella until they melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

• Cooked pasta
• Shredded chicken
• Garlic Parmesan sauce

Ensure everything is well coated and happy together.

Step 7: Top with Cheese Blanket

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty cover.

Step 8: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Shower the dish with chopped parsley for a fresh, bright finish before bringing this comfort masterpiece to the table.

Tips To Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Grate fresh Parmesan and mozzarella for smoother, creamier sauce texture.
• Whisk milk and broth slowly to avoid lumps and create silky sauce.
• Use rotisserie chicken for richer, more developed taste and save cooking time.
• Crush dried Italian seasoning between fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils.
• Assemble casserole ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.

Flavor Variations For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy, cheesy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk. Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for similar creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty pasta bake as the star of your family meal, creating warm memories around the dinner table.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the rich, cheesy pasta dish. Garlic bread makes an excellent complementary side for soaking up extra sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will enhance the garlic and cheese flavors without overwhelming the meal.

How To Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Transfer pasta bake to a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for extra protection.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in meal preparation.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy cheese sauce and mild garlic flavor make it appealing to children.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

• How can I make this pasta bake more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to the dish for extra nutrients and color.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers comfort on a plate with rich, cheesy goodness. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising you a satisfying meal that warms both heart and palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for perfect baking conditions.
2. Create a flavor base by gently melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic.
3. Transform the butter into a smooth roux by carefully whisking in flour, cooking for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously to develop a silky, lump-free sauce.
5. Enhance the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing it to simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Introduce Parmesan and half the mozzarella cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into a creamy mixture.
7. Transfer cooked pasta and shredded chicken into a prepared casserole dish, thoroughly coating with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
8. Distribute remaining mozzarella across the top, creating a generous cheese layer.
9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
10. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant, aromatic garnish before serving.

Notes

• Customize the pasta type to match your preference or dietary needs, like whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier twist.
• Boost protein content by using rotisserie chicken or adding extra shredded chicken for a more substantial meal.
• Control the sauce thickness by adjusting milk and broth quantities, ensuring a creamy yet not overly runny consistency.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a delightful plant-based version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg