Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Searching for a dinner that’s rich, hearty, and guaranteed to get rave reviews? Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a weeknight hero and special-occasion star all in one dish. Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce tossed with tender penne and enveloped under a golden, bubbly cheese topping. This casserole brings together comfort, flavor, and simplicity—making it a favorite when you’re craving both coziness and a splash of wow at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is refreshingly simple. Each component brings its own character—rich cheeses for creaminess, juicy chicken for substance, and a handful of pantry staples that tie everything together beautifully.
- Penne Pasta: Penne’s nooks are ideal for catching every drop of that creamy sauce, but you can substitute your favorite short pasta.
- Olive Oil: Helps the chicken brown beautifully and imparts a subtle richness to the base of the dish.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these cook quickly and stay tender in the cheesy bake.
- Garlic: Four big cloves make this dish wonderfully aromatic and savory—don’t hold back!
- Butter: Combines with flour to create a luscious roux, forming the backbone of the creamy sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce just enough so it hugs every piece of pasta and chicken.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce; whole milk works best for texture and flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the sauce with savory depth and keeps it from tasting flat.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend that brings balanced herbal notes throughout the dish.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skip the seasoning here!
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The star cheese for a classic garlic Parmesan flavor; use freshly grated for best results.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into stretchy goodness, creating that irresistible bubbly, cheesy topping.
- Shredded Provolone Cheese: Adds depth and a subtle sharpness to balance all the creamy elements.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A bright, fresh finishing touch for color and flavor. Totally worth the extra mincing!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
Before you dive into the cheesy deliciousness, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your baking dish a quick grease. While that’s heating up, cook the penne in generously salted water—just until al dente, since it’ll finish in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them brown without fussing—this step builds flavor! Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through, then scoop them onto a plate to rest while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute until your kitchen smells utterly mouthwatering. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to create a golden roux—this only takes another minute and is key for a velvety sauce.
Step 4: Whisk and Thicken
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring as the sauce gently thickens; this will happen in a few minutes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts seamlessly into the sauce.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add in the drained pasta, and give everything a loving stir so each piece is coated in the dreamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s already tempting to sneak a bite at this stage!
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesy pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Shower the top evenly with mozzarella and provolone cheeses for that irresistible, bubbly crust. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and tinged with golden spots.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
When you pull out the bubbling Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, sprinkle it generously with freshly chopped parsley. Let it rest for a couple minutes, then serve up generous spoonfuls and prepare for a table of happy faces!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Garnishes
Lively garnishes really bring out the best in your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Fresh parsley offers a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can turn each plate into something special. If you’re a red pepper flake fan, a pinch adds the perfect gentle heat.
Side Dishes
Balance out the creamy, cheesy richness with a crisp green salad—think mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are absolute classics for mopping up the extra sauce. For something lighter, roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus pair perfectly and add a welcome pop of color to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try individual ramekins for a more elegant, personalized touch—perfect for dinner parties. Or, serve this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake family-style in your prettiest baking dish for a cozy, shared experience. A final dramatic flourish: bring the whole bubbling casserole straight to the table for an irresistible, cheese-pull moment!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake stores beautifully in the fridge. Transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container where they’ll keep fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making next-day lunches extra delicious!
Freezing
This pasta bake is a terrific freezer meal. Assemble completely but hold off on baking; wrap tightly and freeze the unbaked dish for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot and bubbling. If you’re reheating a larger amount, cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. A splash of milk stirred in before reheating can restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken shreds off tons of prep time—just add about 3 cups of shredded chicken when you mix everything together before baking. It’s a great way to utilize leftovers and still get a flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.
What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?
Penne is perfect because it holds onto the sauce so well, but rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini work beautifully. Just be sure to cook whichever shape you choose to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
How can I add more veggies?
It’s easy! You can sauté spinach with the garlic, stir in steamed broccoli florets, or add in roasted cherry tomatoes for extra bursts of flavor and color. Just fold them in with the pasta and chicken before baking.
Is there a substitute for whole milk?
Yes—2% milk works fine, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. For a decadent spin, try swapping in half-and-half or adding a couple tablespoons of cream along with the milk for extra silkiness in your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.
Can I make this gluten free?
You sure can! Simply use your preferred gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend when making the sauce. Everything else remains the same, and you’ll have a gluten-free version everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, give Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake a spot in your rotation. It’s comforting, wonderfully cheesy, and destined to be a repeat request, whether it’s a simple family meal or a special occasion. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you’ll be looking forward to leftovers!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add flour to make a roux, then whisk in milk and broth. Season and melt Parmesan into the sauce.
- Combine: Mix chicken and pasta with the sauce, then transfer to the baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Top with mozzarella and provolone.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Enhance with sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
