Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake sounds like the ultimate comfort meal we all crave on chilly evenings.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions that satisfy hungry crowds.

Our kitchen tested this scrumptious casserole and discovered a magical combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich cheese sauce.

Melted parmesan creates a golden crispy topping that makes everyone want seconds.

Each forkful delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Home cooks can whip this dish together in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy families.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future meal planning adventures.

What’s Special About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Effortless weeknight meal that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner in under an hour.
• Combines creamy Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
• Minimal cleanup required with a single skillet and baking dish, making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience.
• Easy to adapt with additional vegetables, different cheeses, or spice levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Must-Have Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A hearty base for the dish, best with shapes that hold sauce well like penne or rotini.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds filling substance, boneless and skinless works best.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides deep flavor and creamy texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild cheese that creates stretchy, melty topping.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and adds subtle background flavor.
• Butter: Creates rich sauce base with smooth consistency.
• Flour: Thickens sauce and provides smooth texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense flavor to the dish.
• Milk: Creates creamy sauce base with soft consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for garnish and fresh flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.

How to Bake Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Like a Boss

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil. Toss in the pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Toss in the diced chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through. Scoop out the chicken and keep it waiting.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it’s smooth and shiny. Add minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

• Flour
• Milk
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it around. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a silky smooth sauce. Let it simmer and thicken up. Stir in the seasonings and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and dreamy.

Step 4: Mix and Assemble

Reunite the chicken and pasta with the luscious sauce, making sure everything is coated in cheesy goodness. Transfer this delightful mixture to a baking dish.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Remaining Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle the cheeses over the top, creating a tempting blanket of melty deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into a preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Shower the dish with fresh parsley and bring it to the table. This comfort food is best enjoyed hot, paired with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Tricks That Work

• Customize Pasta Perfectly: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Slightly undercook chicken during initial skillet cooking, as it will continue baking in the sauce to maintain moisture and tenderness.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk continuously when adding milk and broth to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats pasta beautifully.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling on top to ensure even melting and golden, crispy edges.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for an unexpected, sophisticated taste enhancement.

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Easily

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the dish's flavors intact and freshness sealed.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stopping midway to stir and ensure even heating, preventing dry or cold spots.
• Revive the casserole's crispy cheese topping by placing leftovers in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Pair Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Like a Sommelier

• Select a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. These white wines balance the rich, cheesy flavors and cut through the dish's heaviness with their refreshing acidity.
• Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will provide a light, tangy contrast to the hearty pasta bake, offering a palate-cleansing experience.
• Serve crusty garlic bread or focaccia alongside the dish to soak up the delicious sauce. The crunchy texture and additional garlic flavor will enhance the overall dining experience and provide a satisfying carbohydrate complement.
• Brew a refreshing iced tea with fresh mint or basil leaves. The herbal undertones will refresh the palate between bites and provide a light, cool counterpoint to the rich, warm pasta bake.

Twist Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake for Fun

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein-packed alternative.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like brown rice or quinoa pasta, and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy sauce and cheesy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, coconut milk or almond milk in place of dairy milk, and dairy-free mozzarella cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings together creamy comfort and bold Italian flavors in one irresistible dish. Cheesy layers of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich parmesan create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) milk (whole milk or 2%)
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Initiate pasta preparation by boiling salted water and cooking pasta until perfectly tender, ensuring an al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil and introduce diced chicken. Season generously with salt and pepper, sautéing until golden and completely cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Extract chicken from pan and set aside.
3. Utilize the same skillet to melt butter, then introduce minced garlic. Gently sauté until aromatic and fragrant.
4. Incorporate flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking diligently to create a smooth roux. This foundational step ensures a luxurious sauce consistency.
5. Gradually stream milk and chicken broth into the skillet, continuously whisking to prevent luminal formation. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Enhance the sauce by stirring in Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, and a generous portion of Parmesan cheese. Blend until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Reunite cooked chicken and pasta within the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough and even coating. Transfer the decadent mixture into a prepared baking dish.
8. Artfully distribute mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese across the top, creating an enticing cheese blanket.
9. Position the dish in a preheated oven, baking until cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling masterpiece, roughly 20-25 minutes.
10. Conclude by adorning with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, accompanied by a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor, preferably freshly grated over pre-packaged options.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve better golden-brown searing and enhanced caramelization.
• Customize this dish by swapping chicken with shrimp, ground turkey, or plant-based protein for dietary preferences.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting milk and broth quantities – add more liquid for a thinner consistency, reduce for a thicker sauce.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt additions during seasoning stages.
• Make ahead by preparing the entire dish and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve – add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
• Enhance protein content by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers into the pasta mixture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg