If you’re searching for a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan with tender chicken and pasta, then you’ve come to the right place. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even a cozy weekend dinner. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also makes enough to satisfy a crowd. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake shines as a comfort food for these reasons:
- Bold Flavors: Garlic and parmesan deliver a rich, savory punch.
- Hearty Texture: Creamy sauce and melted cheese make every bite a cozy delight.
- Simple Prep: Easy ingredients and steps for a stress-free comfort food meal.
- Crowd-Friendly: Feeds a group with leftovers to spare.
- Versatile: Add veggies or tweak cheeses for your own spin.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Chicken Breast (2 large, cubed or shredded)
- Penne or Rotini Pasta (2 cups, uncooked)
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated)
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded)
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Heavy Cream (1 cup)
- Chicken Broth (½ cup)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Dried Italian Herbs (1 tsp)
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Fresh or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this comfort food.
- Pasta: Penne or rotini hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated offers the best flavor; pre-grated is less bold.
- Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich sauce; half-and-half works for a lighter version.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for the signature Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake taste.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet (for chicken)
- Medium saucepan (for sauce)
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
Directions
I love how this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake comes together for a delicious comfort food meal! Here’s my step-by-step:
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- I cook the pasta in a large pot until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, I heat 1 tbsp olive oil, season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. I add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then set aside.
- In a saucepan, I combine heavy cream and chicken broth over medium heat, stirring in ½ cup parmesan until melted and smooth. I season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, I mix cooked pasta, chicken, garlic, sauce, remaining ½ cup parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella until evenly coated.
- I transfer the mixture to the baking dish, sprinkle with extra mozzarella and parmesan, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- I let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Prep and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 30g protein, 25g fat, 2g fiber
Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add 1 cup sautéed spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
- Cheese Swap: Use smoked gouda or provolone for a smoky flavor.
- Alfredo Twist: Swap half the cream for alfredo sauce for richer comfort food.
- Bacon Crunch: Sprinkle ¼ cup crumbled bacon on top before baking.
Storage
I store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, I cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2-3 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
FAQs:
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, I use rigatoni or fusilli, but penne or rotini hold the sauce best for this comfort food.
How do I make it vegetarian?
I swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.
Can I prep this comfort food ahead?
Absolutely, I assemble the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours, then bake as directed.
Is a dairy-free version possible?
Yes, I use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a creamy dairy-free comfort food.
What sides pair with this comfort food?
I serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake with garlic bread or a green salad for a balanced meal.
More Dinner Recipes
- Classic Moussaka: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Treat
- Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer
- Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Sweet Potato And Chicken Recipes
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a cheesy, hearty comfort food that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy dinners. Easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish everyone will love. Pin this recipe to your Dinner Ideas board and share your bubbly creations in the comments! Visit LaylaCooks.com for more irresistible comfort food recipes!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 –3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups 600 ml milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 cup 240 ml chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 1/2 cups 150 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and assemble:
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Add veggies: Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
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