If you’re searching for a comfort food classic with a modern twist, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with garlicky goodness, this dreamy casserole brings together tender chicken, toothsome pasta, and a decadent sauce in one irresistibly golden-baked dish. It’s weeknight-friendly but impressive enough to serve to company — and I can guarantee, not a morsel will be left by the end of dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is how every ingredient serves a purpose, layering flavors and textures to make each bite memorable. Nothing fancy or hard to find, just simple kitchen staples working in harmony to create pure magic.
- Penne or Rigatoni Pasta (12 oz): These shapes catch all the creamy sauce and cheesy bits for the ultimate bite every time.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the garlic and infusing the base with richness.
- Garlic, Minced (4 cloves): The star flavor that perfumes the whole dish and makes the sauce sing.
- Cooked Chicken, Shredded or Diced (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves loads of time.
- All-purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Just enough to thicken the sauce for that luscious creamy texture.
- Whole Milk (2 cups): Keeps the sauce smooth and adds subtle sweetness.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Brings a luxurious silkiness that clings to every noodle.
- Parmesan Cheese, Grated (1½ cups): Adds sharp, savory depth and creates an iconic golden crust on top.
- Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded (1 cup): Delivers melty, stretchy goodness in every forkful.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that gives this bake its classic flavor.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory elements and balances out the richness.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): A little kick to highlight all the creamy, cheesy notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle heat to offset all that creaminess.
- Chopped Parsley (¼ cup, for garnish): Adds fresh color and a pop of flavor right before serving.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures an easy release so every bit of cheesy crust makes it to your plate.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Kicking things off, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of nonstick spray. This ensures nothing sticks and you’ll enjoy every delicious, bubbly layer when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne or rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well—remember, you want the pasta slightly underdone since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Set it aside while the sauce comes together.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In a roomy skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium. Add the minced garlic and give it a quick sauté for about a minute, just until it becomes super fragrant and your kitchen smells like heaven. Be careful not to brown it!
Step 4: Build Flavor with Chicken and Flour
Add your cooked shredded or diced chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in that lovely garlic oil. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a minute, ensuring it melds into the chicken—this helps thicken your dreamy sauce later on.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes. The anticipation here is half the fun—the aroma is just unbeatable.
Step 6: Add the Cheesy Goodness
Stir in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes. The Parmesan will melt right into the sauce, making it irresistibly smooth and rich. At this point, resist eating it straight from the pan (easier said than done!).
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Dump in the cooked pasta and half of the shredded mozzarella, giving everything a thorough toss. Each noodle should get happily coated with sauce and oozy cheese—this is what makes the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake so comforting and crave-worthy.
Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly and that glorious cheesy crust is golden brown.
Step 9: Rest and Garnish
Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven—this helps it set up for perfect slices. Shower with chopped parsley before serving, and get ready for the compliments!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a must for adding vibrant color and a little burst of freshness. For extra flair, you can dust with more grated Parmesan or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for spice-lovers. These finishing touches make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy pasta bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette—the perfect contrast to all that cheesy decadence. Warm garlic bread or simple roasted vegetables also round out the meal deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, try portioning the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. For a dinner party, serve alongside grilled asparagus or lemony broccoli for a restaurant-style experience right at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake keeps beautifully for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it rests, so don’t be surprised if the reheated leftovers taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. Simply assemble the pasta bake but hold off on baking, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen (adding a bit of extra time) or thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until thoroughly heated—about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works just fine as well. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little more grated cheese before serving livens up leftovers in a snap.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, you can use rotini, ziti, or even elbow macaroni. Just aim for similar cooking times and check for al dente texture.
What’s the best chicken to use in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?
I love using rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience and flavor, but any cooked, shredded, or diced chicken works well, whether it’s poached, grilled, or leftover from another meal.
Is there a way to make this dish a bit lighter?
You can swap whole milk for low-fat milk, or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Skipping the second layer of mozzarella or reducing the cheese will also lighten things up without sacrificing the essence of this comfort classic.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli florets, or even sliced mushrooms with the pasta for an extra boost of color and nutrition. They meld right into the creamy sauce and truly make this dish your own.
Can I assemble Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then simply bake when needed. Add a few extra minutes of baking time if you’re starting from cold.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is always a crowd-pleaser—it’s bubbling with flavor, adaptable to your tastes, and oh-so-comforting. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and let it become a much-loved staple at your table, too!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender pasta, savory chicken, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Chicken: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add cooked chicken. Sprinkle with flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix in pasta and half of mozzarella.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- For a crispy topping, add seasoned breadcrumbs with melted butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
