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Thank you for stopping by today! If you’re craving something indulgent yet simple, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate recipe you need in your life. It’s creamy, packed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a fragrant garlic-Parmesan sauce that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds.
Let’s dive into the details of this delicious dish. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight dinner or prepping for a cozy weekend, this pasta bake is your go-to. Oh, and before we forget—don’t miss out! Be sure to subscribe below to receive more mouth-watering recipes straight to your inbox.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
This dish is comfort food at its best. If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with flavor, this one’s for you! The rich, garlicky sauce coats every bite, while the Parmesan and mozzarella create a crispy, golden top. Here’s why it’s an instant favorite:
- Quick and Easy: With only 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy nights.
- Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan gives you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Hearty: Loaded with chicken and pasta, it’s a complete meal in one dish.
- Customizable: Don’t have chicken? Use turkey or even rotisserie chicken leftovers!
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready.
Ready to make it? Let’s talk about the ingredients that will transform this dish into a creamy masterpiece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this delightful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Leftovers or rotisserie chicken work great here.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Or use any pasta of your choice (rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini).
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For a creamy, melty top.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and enhances that garlicky flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the show, adding robust flavor.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: For that velvety base to your sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning while adding flavor.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: For thickening the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups milk: Gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering it.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the Parmesan and chicken.
- ½ tsp black pepper: For a bit of warmth and spice.
- Salt to taste: Balances the flavors.
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley: For garnish and a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
1. Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This is where the magic begins—your kitchen will smell divine!
Next, stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Add in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt to taste.
3. Melt the Cheese
Stir in 1 cup of shredded Parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella into the sauce until everything is melted and smooth. The sauce should now be creamy, cheesy, and full of garlic goodness.
4. Assemble the Bake
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Make sure the pasta is fully coated in the delicious sauce. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup each of mozzarella and Parmesan for that perfect cheesy crust.
5. Bake
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. The smell of the garlic, Parmesan, and herbs will make it hard to wait!
6. Serve
Remove the dish from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Serve warm, and get ready to enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
This pasta bake is a hearty meal all on its own, but if you’re looking to add something on the side, here are some great options:
- Garlic bread: Double down on the garlic for an ultra-satisfying meal.
- Caesar salad: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing are a perfect contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: Try roasted broccoli or asparagus for a healthy balance.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the entire dish ahead of time, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to account for the chilled ingredients.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to mix in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or even peas to sneak in some veggies.
- Switch Up the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try turkey, shrimp, or even crispy bacon.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free flour for the roux.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Simply assemble the bake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe. It’s a great way to save time.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce isn’t thick enough, you can let it simmer for a few extra minutes or add a bit more flour during the roux stage.
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Weeknight Dinner
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile. Plus, who can resist that cheesy, golden top?! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out—don’t forget to tag me on Pinterest or leave a review below!
Looking for more pasta bakes to try? Check out my other favorites, like this Baked Ziti with Sausage or Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Penne.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 18g
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PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, all wrapped in a garlicky Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The golden, bubbly top will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring until the sauce thickens (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and the garlic-Parmesan sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it ahead by assembling the bake, covering it tightly, and refrigerating it. Add 10 extra minutes to bake time if cooking from chilled.
- Customize it! Swap out chicken for turkey, or add in veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a nutrient boost.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg