Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; Chopped parsley (optional)

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There’s something truly magical about a bubbling, golden-baked casserole that brings everyone to the table with anticipation, and this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is exactly that kind of dish. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special — yet comes together with everyday ingredients. Each bite is a harmony of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce, all finished with a gooey blanket of mozzarella. It’s comfort food at its finest and will quickly become a go-to recipe for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial part in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and color. From the robust garlic to the rich cheeses, here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Pasta (12 oz penne or rigatoni): A sturdy pasta holds up to the creamy sauce and soaks up every bit of cheesy goodness.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity, rich base for browning the chicken and infusing flavor into the dish.
Chicken breast (1 pound, cubed): The protein star, offering tender bites and heartiness to the bake.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers the signature aromatic punch that sets this bake apart.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Lends a balanced blend of herbs that brings warmth and depth.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps form a roux for the creamy sauce and adds richness.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to a silky, craveable consistency.
Whole milk (2 cups): The backbone of the sauce, ensuring it’s creamy but not too heavy.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds extra silkiness and that luxurious mouthfeel.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Supplies nutty, salty, umami flavor throughout every layer.
Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded, divided): Melts beautifully for a stretchy, gooey topping and creamy interior.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every component and bringing out the flavors.
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. This is key — you want the noodles to have a little bite since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside. This step ensures your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake won’t get mushy, and every bite will be perfectly textured.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute, letting it become fragrant but not burnt. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside — this quick sauté locks in juiciness and flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it — those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, stirring constantly for a minute until it’s golden. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking to avoid any lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella, whisking until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Now for the fun part: bring everything together! In a large bowl or directly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, seared chicken, and the luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Mix gently until every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that dreamy, cheesy sauce. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top for a bubbly, golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your filled baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. If you love extra color, you can broil it for an extra minute or two at the end (just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!). Let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley — then get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. It brightens up the richness of the cheese and adds a fresh pop of color. For even more flavor, you could scatter a little extra grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Whatever you choose, that final flourish makes each serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This bake is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Crusty bread or garlic knots are a natural choice for mopping up any extra sauce. For a lighter touch, try serving it alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake straight from the casserole dish for a cozy, family-style meal, or portion it into individual ramekins for a dinner party twist. For a fun lunch or potluck, scoop it into hollowed-out bread bowls or stuff into cooked bell peppers before baking. However you plate it, it’s guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, making for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner. Just be sure to cool the bake to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish is freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s hot and bubbly throughout.

Reheating

To reheat, place your desired portion in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method keeps the top cheesy and melty. Add a splash of milk before reheating if the pasta seems a bit dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are ideal for holding sauce, you can substitute with ziti, fusilli, or even shells. Just be sure to cook any pasta al dente so it doesn’t over-soften during baking.

Is it possible to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Can I add vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli make delicious additions. Just cook them separately and stir into the pasta mixture before baking for extra flavor and nutrition.

What’s the best way to make this dish ahead of time?

You can fully assemble the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for busy evenings or entertaining.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker. Just skip the chicken-searing step and stir the shredded chicken in with the sauce and pasta before baking. It’s a fantastic shortcut for busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and downright irresistible, you can’t go wrong with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. It’s a family favorite that never fails to please, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen, too!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan sauce come together in a baked casserole that’s golden and bubbly on top. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser for families and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Garnish

Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, typically about 9-11 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook an additional 1 minute. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until fully melted and smooth. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl or directly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is coated well.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the chicken before mixing.
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken for a quicker prep.
Swap penne for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American