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