Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
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.
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.