Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe For Dinner Joy

Crafting a mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings pure comfort right to your dinner table.

Creamy cheese and tender chicken create a delightful harmony in this simple yet irresistible dish.

Weeknight meals never looked so appealing with such minimal effort required.

pasta lovers will appreciate the rich, savory flavors melding together in each hearty bite.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings add depth to this classic recipe that feels both familiar and exciting.

Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing meal with ingredients already stocked in their kitchen.

Let’s transform an ordinary evening into a delectable dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Perfection

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine pasta, chicken, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in one delightful baking dish, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich flavors and melted cheese, this dish guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for leftover turkey, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe uniquely yours, offering endless culinary creativity.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.

What You Need for Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides a hearty base for the pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor to the sauce.

• Pasta: Classic base that absorbs the creamy sauce and creates a comforting texture.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates a smooth and flavorful cooking foundation.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to a creamy and luxurious sauce texture.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Provides balanced and classic seasoning.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a golden, cheesy crust.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finishing touch.

How to Bake Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375F (190C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta following package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside, keeping it ready for the magical transformation.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance and sizzle, releasing its aromatic magic for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Create a Flavor Foundation

Drop in the butter and let it melt luxuriously. Sprinkle flour into the pan, stirring to create a golden roux that will be the secret to your creamy sauce’s incredible texture.

Step 5: Build the Dreamy Sauce

Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Watch the sauce transform and thicken, becoming smooth and velvety over about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Flavor Explosion

Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer, allowing the cheese to melt completely and create a sauce that’s pure comfort.

Step 7: Combine the Elements

In a large mixing bowl, unite the cooked pasta, tender shredded chicken, and your luscious sauce. Mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, promising a golden, melty finish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, creating an irresistible top layer.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool slightly for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Chef’s Tip for Cheesy, Golden Pasta Bake

• Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor depth and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more robust and authentic taste profile.
• Prevent dry pasta by slightly undercooking it during initial boiling, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Create a crispy top by broiling the casserole for 23 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Creative Spins on Parmesan Chicken Bake

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or white beans for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini. Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce and ensure gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping.
• Spicy Jalapeño Fusion: Add diced jalapeños to the sauce and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Use cauliflower cream sauce and reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.

Serving Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake with Flair

• Comfort Food Night: Serve this creamy pasta bake as the star of a cozy family dinner with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread on the side.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this dish to gatherings in a portable casserole carrier, keeping it warm and impressing friends with its cheesy, comforting goodness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Divide leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches during the week, reheating for a satisfying midday meal that beats boring sandwiches.
• Fancy Dinner Twist: Elevate the presentation by sprinkling extra fresh parsley and grated Parmesan on top, creating a restaurant-worthy look that feels special and delicious.

Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer pasta to a sealed glass or plastic container, ensuring it's completely cooled before refrigerating.
• Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent moisture and protect against freezer burn if freezing.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum convenience, lasting up to 2 months.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving option. Just shred the meat and mix it into the pasta bake as directed in the recipe.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux, and use gluten-free pasta to create a celiac-friendly version.

• How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta just until al dente, as the recipe suggests. The pasta will continue cooking slightly in the oven, so slightly undercooked pasta works best to maintain the right texture.

Quick Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Classic garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake combines comfort and flavor in one hearty dish. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (shredded or diced)
• 16 ounces (454 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
3. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
4. Incorporate butter and allow it to melt completely, then sprinkle flour and create a smooth roux, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.
5. Slowly pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a velvety sauce, approximately 4-5 minutes.
6. Blend Parmesan cheese, seasonings, and herbs into the sauce, simmering briefly until cheese melts and texture becomes silky.
7. Combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and prepared sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
8. Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish and generously scatter mozzarella cheese across the top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly, creating a tempting golden crust.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-4 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor and creamiest texture in the sauce.
• Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy noodles.
• Shred chicken from a rotisserie for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor to the dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and use Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg