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
Scale
- 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
