If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors, then this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped in a luscious garlic-infused sauce loaded with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels indulgent yet effortless, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Every bite delivers a warm, satisfying hug of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this dreamy pasta bake. Each component plays a crucial role—from the perfectly cooked pasta to the flavorful, cheesy sauce—and together they build a dish that’s rich, hearty, and utterly delicious.
- Cooked pasta (12 oz): Penne or rotini works perfectly for holding onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Cooked shredded or cubed chicken (2 cups): Adds protein and a tender texture; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a rich base for the sauce and enhances flavor.
- Minced garlic (4 cloves): Brings fragrant, savory depth that’s essential for the creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory umami flavor and moisture to the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Infuses the dish with a salty, nutty richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully to give the bake a gooey, bubbly topping.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that lifts the dish with aromatic, classic flavors.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to round out the taste.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons chopped): Offers a fresh, colorful finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente—it’s important not to overcook since it will bake again. Once cooked, drain it well so your pasta bake won’t turn out soggy.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Next, melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet, then add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it releases its irresistible aroma. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for another minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep things smooth and lump-free. Let this simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Stir grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into your sauce until everything melts together into a velvety, flavorful base. This is where all those bold, cheesy, garlicky flavors really shine through.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta with Sauce
Fold in your cooked chicken and pasta right into the skillet, gently tossing everything to coat each piece in that luscious sauce. This makes sure every forkful is bursting with creamy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your creamy chicken-pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with half of the shredded mozzarella. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly, creating that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Final Touch Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the bake rest for about 5 minutes to thicken up so it slices nicely. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top to add a vibrant pop of color and a touch of freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is the perfect way to brighten up this rich dish. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a lovely silky finish too.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple and fresh to balance the richness of the pasta bake. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans make refreshing companions. Garlic bread is always a wildly popular choice to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this pasta bake family-style in the baking dish passed around the table for a cozy, rustic feel. For a dinner party, portion it out into individual ramekins and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan for a beautiful personal touch. Adding edible flowers like nasturtiums can add unexpected elegance to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pasta bake before baking or after it cools down from the oven. Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers, where it will keep nicely for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, or warm individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce needs loosening up during reheating to keep it creamy and dreamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are great for holding sauce, you can switch it up with shells, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta—it’s all about what you love or have on hand.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without compromising flavor. Just make sure to shred or cube it before adding.
Can I add vegetables to this creamy chicken pasta bake?
Definitely. Spinach, peas, or chopped broccoli are excellent options that add color, texture, and nutrition without overpowering the creamy sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken it, but the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives designed for cooking, and check seasoning carefully. For a lighter version, reduce the cheese and use half the cream mixed with chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Its rich, cheesy sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta offers a cozy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to share, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and enjoy all the heartwarming flavors in every bite!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty main course featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, buttery garlic Parmesan sauce. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection and topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 12 oz cooked pasta such as penne or rotini
- 2 cups cooked shredded or cubed chicken
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour into the butter and garlic, whisking constantly and cooking for another minute to form a smooth paste.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate cheese and seasoning: Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the bake: Pour the creamy chicken pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for cooked chicken in this recipe.
- Use pasta shapes like penne or rotini to hold the sauce well.
- This dish can be made ahead and baked when ready to serve.
