The Gooey Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe You’ll Adore

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers comfort on a whole new level for hungry souls seeking deliciousness.

Cheese melts into golden rivers across tender pasta and succulent chicken pieces.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that doesn’t consume hours in the kitchen.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each carefully assembled layer of this hearty casserole.

Crispy edges promise a delightful crunch that contrasts with smooth, rich sauce underneath.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic without complicated techniques or rare components.

Rich parmesan and roasted garlic provide depth that makes you want to savor every single bite.

Dive into this ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Is So Irresistible

• Conquer Complexity: Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps that even novice cooks can master without feeling overwhelmed.
• Maximize Meal Prep: One-pan dish that minimizes kitchen cleanup and reduces total cooking time, perfect for busy households seeking convenient dinner solutions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy pasta with seasoned chicken delivers a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
• Adaptable Culinary Canvas: Easily customizable recipe where home cooks can swap ingredients or add vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and nutritional needs.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that provides a hearty base for the creamy pasta dish.

• Pasta: The comforting foundation of the recipe that absorbs the rich, creamy sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Milk, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce that coats the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and creates a golden, melted topping.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Provide a classic herb profile that complements the chicken and cream sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the creamy mixture.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh flavor and adds a pop of color to the finished dish.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking.
• Pasta Water: A secret ingredient that can help adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Easy Instructions For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with a generous layer of cooking spray or butter, ensuring no spot is left ungreased.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook pasta until it reaches that ideal al dente texture, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, keeping a splash of pasta water on standby.

Step 3: Season and Sear Chicken

Massage chicken breasts with a blend of salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Sizzle the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden-brown exterior and ensuring it’s cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.

Step 4: Slice Chicken into Delectable Pieces

After cooking, transform the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized morsels that will blend beautifully with the pasta.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Minced garlic

Until a luxuriously smooth sauce emerges.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, gently stirring to ensure every strand is lavishly coated. If the mixture seems too thick, splash in a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Incorporate Chicken and Cheese

Fold in the sliced chicken and sprinkle half of the parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the dish.

Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the pasta, chicken, and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even, tempting layer.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

Generously shower the remaining parmesan cheese over the top, creating a delectable golden blanket.

Step 10: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, waiting until the cheese melts and develops a slightly golden hue.

Step 11: Rest and Set

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to settle and the flavors to mingle.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor before bringing this delightful dish to the table.

Helpful Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Boost Pasta Perfection: Reserve a splash of starchy pasta water to help sauce cling better and create silky texture.
• Sear Chicken Right: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve that golden-brown exterior and lock in delicious flavors.
• Cream Sauce Success: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, velvety consistency.
• Quick Meal Prep: Slice chicken in advance and store in refrigerator to cut down on cooking time during busy weeknights.
• Temperature Control: Let dish rest after baking to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld beautifully.

Yummy Twists On Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken juices for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini made from rice or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and maintain creamy texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean Adaptation: Add red pepper flakes, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate oregano and fresh basil leaves for an intense Mediterranean flavor profile.

What To Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the creamy chicken pasta's rich texture and cuts through its heaviness with bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Garlic Bread Companion: Toasted artisan garlic bread provides a crunchy contrast to the smooth pasta, absorbing extra sauce and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a refreshing and tangy element that cleanses the palate.
• Select Chardonnay Option: An unoaked Chardonnay offers subtle buttery undertones that harmonize beautifully with the creamy sauce and herbed chicken flavors.

How To Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time accurately.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer pasta to an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk or cream to prevent dryness.

FAQ Sheet For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well and have similar cooking times.

• Is it okay to substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Try turkey breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cooked ground chicken. Ensure the protein is seasoned and cooked thoroughly.

• How can I make this dish lighter or healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, opt for half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and choose lower-fat parmesan cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

Four-Cheese Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake, where creamy textures and bold flavors dance together. Hearty ingredients combine to create a satisfying meal that promises warmth and satisfaction with each forkful you savor.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 16 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic

dairy and sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter

herbs and seasonings:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Sear in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sour cream, and minced garlic to create a creamy sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, gently stirring to ensure complete coating. If the mixture seems too thick, incorporate a small amount of reserved pasta water.
7. Fold in the sliced chicken and half of the parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
9. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top, creating a generous coverage.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Customize chicken seasoning by experimenting with different herb blends like Italian or Cajun mixes for varied flavor profiles.
• Keep pasta slightly undercooked during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative for faster meal preparation without compromising taste.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter, lower-calorie version while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg