The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Ever

Whipping up a mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Layers of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and creamy cheese create an irresistible combination.

Fragrant garlic weaves its magic through each delectable bite.

Parmesan adds a rich, salty depth that makes this dish truly special.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can become something extraordinary.

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

Let’s dive into a meal that promises to become a new favorite at your table.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Is Always A Family Favorite

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy households, this one-pan chicken pasta delivers delicious comfort food without complicated cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful experience.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable with optional ingredients like different herbs or vegetables, allowing home cooks to personalize the dish to their taste preferences.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using a single skillet and baking dish means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and spend with loved ones.

What Goes In Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Penne Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully and provides a perfect base for this creamy chicken dish.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that adds substantial protein and absorbs the rich, creamy sauce perfectly.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth texture that gives the sauce its luxurious consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the creamy sauce and provides depth.

• Garlic Cloves: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a mild, stretchy cheese layer that melts beautifully on top.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden texture to the finished dish.

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

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and preventing sticking in the skillet.

How To Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil penne pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, usually taking 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Half of the minced garlic

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are nearly fully cooked.

Step 5: Rest and Slice Chicken

Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, quickly sauté the remaining garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Add Cheese to the Sauce

Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 8: Combine All Ingredients

Gently mix the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and creamy sauce in the prepared baking dish.

Step 9: Top with Cheesy Goodness

• Remaining parmesan
• Mozzarella cheese
• Breadcrumbs

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Look for melted cheese and golden-brown breadcrumbs.

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve piping hot, ready to delight everyone at the table.

Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Choose Quality Pasta: Select a good-brand penne that holds sauce well and maintains firm texture after baking.
• Control Chicken Moisture: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent soggy texture.
• Manage Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly to achieve rich, creamy thickness without breaking or separating cream.
• Balance Cheese Layers: Distribute parmesan and mozzarella evenly for consistent melting and maximum flavor coverage.
• Optimize Breadcrumb Topping: Lightly toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling to enhance crunchiness and prevent sogginess during baking.

Tasty Variations For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Pasta Bake: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Creamy Pasta: Swap chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the rich cream sauce and cheese layers.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy texture and protein-rich elements.

Perfect Pairings With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine complements the creamy sauce and enhances the chicken's rich flavors, creating a smooth, balanced dining experience.
• Serve Garlic Bread Alongside: Warm, toasted garlic bread provides a crunchy texture contrast and absorbs the delicious cream sauce, elevating the overall meal enjoyment.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Peppery, crisp arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette cuts through the dish's richness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Recommend Pinot Grigio: Crisp, light-bodied Italian white wine with subtle citrus notes refreshes the palate and pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta and chicken combination.

Storage Instructions For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Package in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally.

FAQs For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or shells. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture and flavor.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, choose whole wheat pasta, and opt for skinless chicken breasts to reduce calories and increase nutritional value.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Melting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables worldwide. Cheesy layers meld with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, promising a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Extras:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light olive oil spray.
2. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. Mince garlic cloves finely and season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and half of the minced garlic.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
6. In the same skillet, sauté remaining garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine and create a smooth sauce.
8. Fold in half of the parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and cream sauce in the prepared baking dish, mixing gently.
10. Sprinkle remaining parmesan, mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie version.
• Toast breadcrumbs separately before sprinkling to enhance their crunch and golden color.
• Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips to reduce overall preparation time.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg