Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe For Dinner Bliss

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

Creamy textures and bold flavors create an irresistible meal everyone craves.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked pasta make this dish a total winner.

Sharp parmesan cheese adds a delightful punch that melts beautifully throughout the casserole.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet satisfying, and this recipe delivers precisely what you want.

Simple ingredients combine to produce a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake That Impresses

• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Whip up a delicious, satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this pasta bake appeals to both kids and adults with its crowd-pleasing taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for cooking chicken and creating a luxurious garlic parmesan sauce, making meal preparation a breeze.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a reliable recipe that can be prepared quickly and enjoyed by everyone.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that serves as the base of this comforting dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich cubes that add hearty flavor to the pasta bake.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help develop rich flavors and prevent sticking.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid ingredients that create a smooth and creamy sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that provide depth of flavor and melty texture.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Spices that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a robust and savory flavor profile.
• Flour: Thickening agent used to create a smooth and consistent sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnish and adding a bright, fresh touch to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F, getting it ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

Make sure it’s ready to soak up all that incredible sauce.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and transform your chicken cubes into golden-brown delights.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook until each piece is beautifully caramelized and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and unleash the fragrant garlic.

Sprinkle in flour and let it dance for a minute.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Creating a silky, luxurious sauce that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Stir in grated parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and gloriously melted.

Step 6: Combine and Layer

Mix the cooked pasta, sizzled chicken, and dreamy garlic parmesan sauce in a baking dish.

Crown the top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Watch as the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket of deliciousness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve piping hot.

Get ready for a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Select freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Whisk sauce slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture that coats pasta evenly.
• Let chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture, which helps maintain tender and juicy meat in the final dish.
• Taste sauce before baking and add extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lower-calorie version without compromising taste.

Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta Bake: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free penne or zucchini noodles. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Replace parmesan and mozzarella with nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas or plant-based chicken substitute. Keep the garlic parmesan sauce and follow original baking instructions.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Reduce cooking time to 15 minutes and maintain same seasonings and sauce preparation.

Serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy pasta bake with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Elegant Entertaining: Pair with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio and a simple roasted vegetable side to elevate this dish for a sophisticated dinner party.
• Lunch Leftover Magic: Pack cold portions for a delicious next-day lunch, or reheat gently in the microwave for a quick and satisfying midday meal that travels well.
• Weekend Comfort Combo: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat and serve with a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the cheesy chicken pasta.

Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Place single serving in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add small amount of milk or cream to prevent pasta from becoming dry and tough.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Chicken breasts work perfectly and are leaner, while chicken thighs will provide a more tender and juicy result. Both options are excellent for this pasta bake.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

You can easily mix in roasted vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers before baking. These will add nutrition and extra flavor to the dish.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Most home cooks have these basic herbs in their pantry.

Molten Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners with its rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

Cheese:

• 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons flour

Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish for the pasta ensemble.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sauté in olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, releasing its rich flavor.
5. Sprinkle flour into the garlic butter, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux and prevent burning.
6. Slowly pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to develop a creamy, luxurious sauce.
7. Incorporate grated parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes silky.
8. Transfer cooked pasta and seared chicken into the prepared baking dish, coating evenly with the garlic parmesan sauce.
9. Generously scatter shredded mozzarella across the top, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Notes

• Optimize chicken tenderness by using chicken breasts or thighs cut into uniform cubes for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Enhance sauce creaminess by using room temperature heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan for smoother blending and richer flavor profile.
• Customize the dish for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend without compromising sauce consistency.
• Boost nutritional value by adding roasted vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers directly into the pasta bake for extra color and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg