Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

If you're looking for a comforting, cheesy, and creamy pasta dish that’s both easy to make and delicious, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe for you. Loaded with tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and a rich parmesan cream sauce, this baked pasta casserole is a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any occasion when you’re craving a hearty meal. With its cheesy top and golden crust, this dish is a winner every time. Let’s dive into the recipe, along with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake!

What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic, and a rich, creamy parmesan sauce tossed with cooked pasta and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s comfort food at its best, combining the flavors of garlic and parmesan with a smooth, cheesy sauce and baked to perfection. This casserole is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized with different veggies, proteins, or cheeses, making it a great go-to recipe for any time you need a hearty, filling meal.

Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

To make this creamy and cheesy chicken pasta bake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (about 1 ½ lbs)
• Pasta: 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta shape
• Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Garlic: 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons for the roux
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
• Heavy Cream: 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or use half and half for a lighter version)
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the chicken

For Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup for added crunch
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley for garnish

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor:

• Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach for added greens
• Mushrooms: 1 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed before adding
• Bacon: ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky touch
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
• Shredded Cheese: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for extra cheesiness.

Substitutions and Variations

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is easily adaptable to your preferences. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta or a gluten-free variety to fit your dietary needs.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli.
• Lightened-Up: Use half and half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version of the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started with this easy and delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Follow these steps for a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s sure to please!

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Once thickened, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and garlic parmesan cream sauce. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or bacon, stir them in at this point.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. If you’d like an extra cheesy bake, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

7. Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional)

For added texture, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter over the top of the casserole.

8. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. If you used breadcrumbs, they should be crispy and golden as well.

9. Let It Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!

10. Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps to make this creamy pasta bake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F and grease your baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. Cook the Chicken: Brown the chicken in a skillet, then set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: Prepare the garlic parmesan cream sauce with butter, garlic, flour, chicken broth, and cream.
5. Combine: Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in a large bowl.
6. Assemble: Transfer everything to the casserole dish, top with cheese, and add breadcrumbs if desired.
7. Bake: Bake until bubbly and golden, about 20–25 minutes.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest, garnish, and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite) as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so sauté it for just 30–60 seconds, keeping a close eye on it.
• Rushing the Sauce: Allow the sauce to thicken properly over medium heat before combining it with the pasta and chicken to ensure it’s rich and creamy.
• Skipping the Resting Period: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows the sauce to settle and makes serving easier.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This creamy pasta bake is both visually appealing and delicious, but you can make it even more attractive with a few presentation tips.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Portioning: Use a large spoon or spatula to serve the pasta in generous portions, ensuring each plate has plenty of chicken, pasta, and sauce.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up any extra sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Herb Garnish: Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
• Cheese Crust: For a golden, bubbly top, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
• Individual Portions: Serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins for a more formal presentation, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken, simply shred or cube it and add it to the casserole. Reduce the baking time slightly since the chicken is already cooked.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking as directed.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it until al dente.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich, creamy, and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal. With its tender chicken, flavorful garlic parmesan sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing it to a potluck, this easy pasta bake is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy this indulgent, cheesy delight!

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