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
Scale
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.
