This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and pasta. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that brings together the classic flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and savory chicken in a deliciously baked casserole. Perfect for family dinners, this pasta bake is hearty, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite. With minimal prep and a rich, bubbly finish, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta and Chicken
- Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cream sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for a Golden Finish
- If desired, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Serve
- Garnish
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce.
- Pasta: Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Addition: Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a bit of heat.
- Different Cheeses: Substitute half of the mozzarella with sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? A: Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. To thicken it, consider adding a slurry made of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
Q: Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Assemble the pasta bake, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta bake? A: Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for cozy family dinners or a meal to share with friends. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella in every bite!
