Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake that promises a delightful dinner experience.

Cheesy layers meld perfectly with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Mediterranean herbs dance through each creamy bite, creating a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Melted parmesan creates a golden crust that seals in rich, savory goodness.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation mean you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in no time.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Easy Changes For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Penne Delight: Replace traditional penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bake: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and increase vegetable intake.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add diced sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap oregano for za'atar seasoning to create a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free protein-rich meal that maintains the dish's creamy texture.

Perfect Pairings With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the cheesy pasta dish.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy chicken pasta, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Recommend Sparkling Water: Choose a chilled sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the dining experience.

How To Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and safe to consume.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pasta dishes maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Warm on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent dryness.

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• How spicy is this chicken pasta dish?

The red pepper flakes add a mild, warm heat that isn’t overwhelming. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini that hold sauce well and are similar in size.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this chicken pasta bake reheats wonderfully. You can prepare it in advance and store in the refrigerator, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals ahead of time.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Is So Satisfying

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Dive into a restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience without complicated techniques.
• Speed Through Preparation: Craft a delicious meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but lack extensive cooking time.
• Create Family-Friendly Comfort: Combine creamy textures, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: The primary protein that provides a tender and flavorful base for the dish.

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and creates a satisfying texture.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's flavor and add depth to the dish.
• Garlic Cloves: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor base for the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the overall dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides additional flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken and adding a light, fruity flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish and color to the finished dish.

How To Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and get a large baking dish ready by giving it a light olive oil massage.

Step 2: Transform Chicken into Tasty Morsels

Chop chicken breasts into delightful bite-sized cubes. Shower them with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Dance the chicken pieces around until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, cooking for about 6-7 minutes.

Step 4: Awaken the Garlic’s Magic

Finely chop garlic cloves and toss them into the same skillet. Let them sizzle and release their intoxicating aroma.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta to Delicious Tenderness

Boil penne pasta in a pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, usually 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Create a Dreamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Half of the parmesan cheese

Blend until smooth and silky.

Step 7: Layer the Flavor Treasure

Spread the cooked pasta in the baking dish. Nestle the sautéed chicken pieces on top. Pour the creamy sauce evenly, covering every inch.

Step 8: Cheese Blanket Magic

Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses across the top, creating a luxurious, melty blanket.

Step 9: Bake to Bubbly Brilliance

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and turn a tempting golden around the edges.

Step 10: Let Flavors Dance

Pull the dish out and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows all the delicious flavors to mingle and get to know each other.

Step 11: Final Flourish

Shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness before serving.

Top Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Drain pasta just before al dente stage since it will continue cooking in the oven, ensuring a perfect texture without becoming mushy.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast dried oregano in the skillet for 30 seconds before seasoning chicken to intensify its aromatic qualities and release deeper Mediterranean notes.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference – start with a pinch and gradually increase for customized spiciness.
• Quick Meal Prep: Assemble entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake directly from cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time for convenience.

Garlic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers comfort and flavor in one irresistible dish. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a weeknight dinner masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, seasoning thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and nearly cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
4. Mince the garlic cloves and sauté them briefly in the same skillet until fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
5. Cook the penne pasta in a separate pot of salted water until it reaches al dente consistency, typically 8-9 minutes, then drain and set aside.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and half of the parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
7. Layer the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish, followed by the sautéed chicken pieces, then pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses across the surface, creating a rich, melty coating.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden around the edges.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Boost protein content by adding extra chicken or swapping with rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using alternative pasta like chickpea or zucchini noodles, ensuring a lighter texture.
• Reduce calorie intake by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 598
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 785 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 139 mg