If you love comforting, cheesy pasta dishes that bring garlic and Parmesan together in a perfect harmony, then you’re going to adore this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce baked to bubbling golden perfection. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this bake is simple to prepare yet packs a rich, satisfying taste that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to building layers of flavor and texture in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. Each element, from the tender chicken to the creamy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping, plays an essential part in crafting this delicious meal.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta like penne that holds sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The star ingredient for bold, aromatic flavor.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced): Provides hearty protein and pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates the base of a velvety roux for the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the creaminess and makes the sauce indulgent.
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers the signature savory, nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant hint of herbs that enhance every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that gooey, melty top layer everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and mild zest.
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for topping): Adds a crunchy, golden finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your bake doesn’t stick. Then, boil the penne pasta in salted water following the package directions until it’s just al dente, perfectly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside—this is the hearty foundation of your dish.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant—this step is where that irresistible aroma starts to build. Stir in the cooked chicken to combine and then remove from heat. This flavorful mix will infuse your pasta bake with savory notes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
To create the luscious sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and keep stirring for about a minute to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy, velvety consistency. Once thickened, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This rich sauce is the heart of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Now, add the sautéed garlic chicken mixture and cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Stir well so every piece of pasta and chicken is generously coated in the luscious cheese sauce, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the entire pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible gooey texture, and if you like an added crunch, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, signaling it’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley instantly brightens this cheesy, rich dish with a burst of color and a hint of freshness. You can also add a few extra flakes of Parmesan on top right before serving for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. The contrast in textures and flavors balances the richness of the bake beautifully, making it a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for single servings. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top for a fancy flavor upgrade that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. Store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture and full flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the top pleasantly crisp. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli based on what you have on hand.
Is rotisserie chicken a good shortcut for this dish?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds delicious flavor. Just shred or dice it and skip the step of cooking raw chicken.
Can I add vegetables to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions and add color, nutrition, and texture.
How do I get a crispy topping without burning the cheese?
Using seasoned breadcrumbs on top achieves a crunchy finish, and you can broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking to crisp it up, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and meal prepping?
Yes, this bake freezes beautifully and makes a great meal prep option. Just portion it out, freeze, and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a winner for anyone looking for a meal that’s indulgent yet simple to make. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese topping come together to form a dish that brings comfort and joy to your table. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites that you’ll want to remake again and again.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Tender penne pasta is combined with garlic-sautéed chicken and enveloped in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, then baked to golden perfection with a mozzarella and breadcrumb topping for that irresistible crispy crust.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the cooked chicken to warm and combine, then remove from heat.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the thickened sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Add the garlic chicken mixture and cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken yourself.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli to the pasta mixture to increase nutrition and flavor.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the dish for 2–3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
