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