The Creamiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Ever

Crafting a mouthwatering creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible dish that combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Rich, velvety sauce embraces every noodle, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Parmesan cheese adds a delightful sharpness while garlic infuses depth and warmth into each delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become something special when you bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to the table.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Savor every forkful and watch smiles spread around the dinner table.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Highlights

• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for bringing everyone together around the dinner table with minimal fuss.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: One-pan cooking method means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components ahead of time and assemble quickly for a stress-free dinner solution that tastes like you spent hours cooking.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake What’s Inside

• Penne Pasta: A hearty, tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce exceptionally well.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a tender and juicy base for the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creamy base ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a crispy, golden crust with extra cheesy flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Optional ingredient that adds extra melty richness to the dish.
• Butter: Helps enhance browning and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal finish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and sautéing garlic with a rich, smooth flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake How To Do It

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and generously coat a large baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook penne pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Season The Chicken

Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried oregano all over the chicken breasts, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 4: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sizzle the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and cooks completely through, about 6-7 minutes on each side.

Step 5: Rest And Slice Chicken

Take the chicken off the heat and let it chill for 5 minutes. Then slice it into mouth-watering bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to create a silky smooth sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 8: Add Cheese Magic

Sprinkle in grated parmesan cheese and whisk until it melts completely, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 9: Combine All Ingredients

Toss the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the baking dish, mixing everything with the creamy sauce.

Step 10: Add Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Extra parmesan cheese

Scatter these on top for a crispy, golden crust that’ll add some texture.

Step 11: Optional Cheese Boost

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella for an extra layer of melty goodness.

Step 12: Butter Finish

Dot small pieces of butter across the surface to help with browning and add richness.

Step 13: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the sauce starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 14: Final Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Helpful Hints

• Perfectly Prep Pasta: Generously grease the baking dish to prevent stubborn sticking and ensure easy serving.
• Chicken Searing Secret: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Sauce Smoothing Trick: Whisk parmesan cheese slowly into the cream sauce to prevent clumping and create a silky-smooth texture.
• Breadcrumb Boost: Toast breadcrumbs briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their crunch and nutty flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld beautifully before baking.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Twists

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Replace penne with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Chicken Casserole: Swap oregano with za'atar spice blend, add sun-dried tomatoes, and use feta cheese instead of parmesan for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower florets to create a keto-friendly and lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the creamy texture and rich taste.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or plant-based chicken substitute, using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly and protein-packed.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Pairing Tips

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Fresh Mediterranean Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Rustic Garlic Bread Enhancer: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with a drizzle of olive oil to soak up the remaining creamy sauce and complement the dish's garlicky undertones.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Storage Steps

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Refrigerated pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pasta maintains quality for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQ For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Is this dish considered healthy?

While delicious, it’s relatively high in calories and fat due to cream, cheese, and butter. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini work great. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Greek yogurt mixed with milk can also work as an alternative.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding more chicken, or mix in some cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or even plant-based protein like grilled tofu for extra protein content.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and rich sauce create a hearty meal that embraces home cooking with elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 cup parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Optional Extras:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, ensuring even coverage.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
5. Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
6. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its aromatic essence.
7. Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
8. Incorporate grated parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, whisking until fully melted and integrated.
9. Combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and cream sauce in the baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional parmesan cheese over the top for a crispy, golden crust.
11. Optional: Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese for extra melty richness.
12. Dot the surface with small butter pieces to enhance browning and flavor.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and sauce is bubbling.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

• Meal Prep Magic: Slice and cook chicken in advance to significantly reduce overall preparation time.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Protein Power: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or shredded rotisserie chicken for versatile protein options.
• Cream Sauce Rescue: If sauce appears too thick, gradually thin with reserved pasta water or extra milk until desired consistency is reached.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg