If you are looking for a comforting yet impressive dish to make any night special, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. This layered masterpiece combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that bakes to bubbling, golden perfection. Every bite reveals a delicious balance of cheesy goodness and fragrant garlic, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual dinner parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the ultimate texture, flavor, and color in your pasta bake. From the savory chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce, the combination is straightforward yet packed with delicious layers.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Holds sauce beautifully with its ridges and tubes, making each bite flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides tender protein that soaks up all the seasoning and sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious base and depth in the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for a silky, smooth texture.
- 2 cups whole milk: The creamy backbone of the sauce adding richness and body.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Amplifies the decadence and velvety finish of the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers savory sharpness and melts into the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Ensures gooey, melty cheese on top and within the bake.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herbal touch that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sauce and chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Brings a fresh burst of color and brightness to finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish, which will give your pasta bake that perfect golden crust. Cook the penne pasta in generously salted boiling water until it’s just al dente; this ensures it won’t get mushy when baked later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for a punch of flavor. Cook until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Set it aside when done to add back in later.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant, about one minute—it’s important not to burn it. Stir in the flour, cooking for a minute or two to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce beautifully. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, around 3 to 4 minutes. Then, melt in Parmesan and half the mozzarella cheese until smooth and irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Add the cooked pasta and chicken straight into the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece thoroughly. Pour this rich mixture into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top to create that perfect bubbly, golden crust while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to set and make it easier to serve.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of fresh green color and a mild herbal flavor that balances the richness of this creamy pasta bake. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe stands wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add some freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta bake family-style straight from the dish for a cozy feel, or plate individual portions sprinkled with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for a more polished presentation. For gatherings, you could even bake in individual ramekins, turning it into a charming personal casserole experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just cover tightly to preserve its creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze it before baking or after cooling if you’ve already baked it. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil and keep it for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to revive that fresh-baked texture and gooey cheese topping, about 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or ziti work wonderfully too.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty meatless version while keeping the creamy, cheesy flavors intact.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or even just whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich and creamy without the heavy cream’s thickness.
How can I add more veggies to this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?
Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach just before baking to incorporate extra nutrition and color without altering the cooking time much.
What’s a good shortcut if I don’t want to cook chicken from scratch?
Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred it and fold it into the sauce with the pasta for a much quicker version without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without stress. Its harmonious blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a bubbly mozzarella topping, it’s an easy comfort food favorite perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut to save time.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies and nutrition.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
