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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
