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
Scale
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
