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