If there’s one dish that always gets the crowd excited, it’s a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and packed with juicy chicken and tender pasta, this bake is the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a cozy hug. It’s the dish you turn to when you want something warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying with just enough cheesy goodness to make everyone ask for seconds.

Trust me, this one’s a weeknight lifesaver and a weekend treat all rolled into one. It smells divine while baking, and the golden, bubbly top is just begging to be scooped into. Whether you’re cooking for your family or showing off at a potluck, this pasta bake is pure magic.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even impressing your guests at a potluck.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like pasta, chicken, cheese, and garlic affordable yet incredibly satisfying.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here! Just cook, mix, bake, and you’ve got a delicious meal in under an hour.

Customizable: Add your favorite veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or swap the chicken for sausage or turkey.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this cozy, cheesy masterpiece to life:

Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works well here. It holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.

Chicken Breast: Cooked and chopped or shredded. Tender and juicy, it soaks up all that garlicky parmesan goodness.

Garlic: The star of the show! Adds that irresistible, savory aroma and bold flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty, and melty this is where the magic happens. Adds depth and a little golden crunch on top.

Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, stretchy, can’t-get-enough texture we all love in baked pasta dishes.

Cream or Milk: Makes the sauce rich and silky smooth. You can use heavy cream for extra indulgence or milk for a lighter touch.

Butter: Adds richness and helps infuse the garlic flavor throughout the dish.

Flour: Used to thicken the sauce just enough to coat every piece of pasta.

Chicken Broth: Adds a savory backbone to the sauce without overpowering the garlic and cheese.

Italian Seasoning: A little mix of dried herbs to round everything out with classic Italian flair.

Salt & Pepper: Season to taste and bring out all those beautiful flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this creamy, dreamy pasta bake going:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you just enough time to prep everything else while the oven gets nice and hot.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente. You want it to be slightly firm since it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant—just a minute or two. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add in chicken broth, followed by cream or milk. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.

Add the Cheese

Stir in the parmesan cheese and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This sauce should be creamy, garlicky, and completely irresistible.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Stir until everything is coated in cheesy goodness.

Transfer to a Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes just keep an eye on it!

Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in (we know, it’s hard to wait!). Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 480
(Note: approximate values)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This dish is so satisfying on its own, but here are some tasty pairings to round it out:

– Serve with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
– Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
– Add garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for the ultimate comfort food combo.
– A chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works wonders with the creamy, cheesy flavors.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time.
– Add a handful of spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta mix for extra flavor and nutrition.
– Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce in the sauce.
– Double the batch and freeze one for laterit reheats beautifully!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly.

2. What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Definitely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Sure thing! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickener or cornstarch.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer a bit longer or add a touch more flour or parmesan to thicken it to your liking.

7. Is there a dairy-free version?
You can try using dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk or cream alternatives, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

8. What veggies can I add to this pasta bake?
Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or even peas work great here.

9. Can I use other cheeses?
Of course! Try adding a bit of cheddar, provolone, or fontina for different flavor profiles.

10. How do I reheat leftovers?
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is everything you want in a cozy meal creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough to serve at a dinner party. With its garlicky aroma, cheesy top, and hearty chicken-pasta combo, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for some serious comfort food magic!

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