Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy & Cheesy Comfort Food

There’s something undeniably comforting about a baked pasta dish that comes straight from the oven, bubbling with melted cheese and filled with rich, creamy flavors. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect weeknight meal, packed with tender chicken, savory garlic, and a decadent Parmesan sauce. It’s so good, your family will be lining up for seconds!

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving something cozy, this pasta bake is sure to satisfy. With a perfect balance of cheesy goodness, garlic richness, and just a hint of Italian seasoning, this dish is a surefire hit. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Let’s dive into how you can whip up this irresistible bake in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Taste!

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is an explosion of flavors! The creamy sauce, made with Parmesan cheese and garlic, envelops every piece of pasta and chicken. The mozzarella on top melts into gooey, stretchy perfection, while the garlic offers a punch of flavor in every bite. Add a little fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, and you’ve got a meal that’s impossible to resist.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Not only is this dish super satisfying, but it’s also incredibly practical. Using pre-cooked pasta and chicken makes it easy to throw together, and with a bake time of just 20-25 minutes, dinner will be on the table in no time! It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or make the most of pantry staples.

Customizable for Your Tastes

The recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to play around with different kinds of pasta, cheeses, and even vegetables if you’re feeling creative. I’ll share some substitution tips later on to make this dish exactly how you like it!

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Before we get into the cooking process, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Necessary Tools

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• A 9×13 inch baking dish
• A large skillet
• A large mixing bowl
• Cooking utensils (spatula, wooden spoon, etc.)

Recipe Instructions: How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside. This ensures the pasta doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier!

2. Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. You don’t want the garlic to burn, just to release its delicious aroma and flavor.

3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

Once the garlic is fragrant, stir in 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, 2 cups of heavy cream, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

4. Add Parmesan Cheese

Once your sauce is simmering and has thickened a bit, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Allow it to melt and fully incorporate into the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once your sauce is creamy and smooth, remove it from the heat.

5. Combine the Pasta and Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour the garlic-Parmesan sauce over the mixture and toss until everything is well-coated. The sauce should cling to the pasta and chicken, making every bite flavorful.

6. Assemble and Top

Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top. If you’re a fan of crispy toppings, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and sprinkle it over the mozzarella for added texture.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The smell coming from your kitchen will be heavenly!

8. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle it with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake!

this Recipe

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Choose Your Pasta: Penne and rotini work well because their shapes hold the sauce, but feel free to experiment with your favorite type of pasta.
• Bread Crumb Topping: For an extra crunchy finish, I recommend using panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil for the topping.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble this dish up to a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to serve.

Substitutions and Additions

• Cheese: You can swap mozzarella for provolone or add a sharp cheddar for extra depth of flavor.
• Meat: Not a fan of chicken? Try swapping it for turkey or cooked sausage.
• Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter side, consider roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will keep the texture of the topping better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken saves you time and adds convenience.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go!

What’s the best pasta for a bake like this?

I recommend penne or rotini, but any pasta that holds sauce well will work!

Conclusion: Creamy Comfort Food at Its Best

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for when you need a hearty, comforting dinner that everyone will love. With its creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and see how quickly it disappears from the table!

Looking for more delicious and comforting dinners? Check out my Poor Man’s Husband Casserole or this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Chili for more weeknight dinner inspiration!

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 27g

Don’t forget to leave a review or share your photos on Pinterest! I’d love to see how your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake turns out!

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