The Creamiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Ever

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Pasta lovers will adore how quickly this dish comes together with minimal prep.

Layers of tender chicken and creamy sauce meld perfectly between al dente noodles.

Parmesan cheese creates a golden, crispy topping that adds irresistible crunch to every bite.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and effortless.

Each forkful delivers rich, savory flavors that make you feel like a professional chef.

Dive in and watch this recipe become a household staple that everyone requests.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Is So Filling

• Savor Creamy Comfort: Indulge in a rich, satisfying pasta dish that combines tender chicken, velvety sauce, and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Master Quick Cooking: Navigate this recipe with ease, using simple techniques like searing chicken and creating a smooth cream sauce that even beginner cooks can confidently execute.
• Customize Your Meal: Personalize the dish with optional red pepper flakes for heat, fresh parsley for brightness, or swap ingredients to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Perfect Family Pleaser: Delight everyone at the dinner table with a crowd-pleasing recipe that offers delicious flavors, hearty portions, and a beautiful golden-brown presentation that looks professionally prepared.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Penne Pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta bake.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall depth of flavor in the cream sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add tangy and melty layers of cheesy goodness to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Provide classic Italian-inspired seasoning for the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Bring a subtle heat and spicy kick to the pasta bake.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and mild herb flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and preparing the baking dish.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic base to the cream sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy golden topping that adds texture to the dish.

How To Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water and cook penne pasta until it reaches al dente texture. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Season and Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

Mix cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and cream sauce in the prepared baking dish. Ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Add Toppings

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella
• Breadcrumbs
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles, and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes, letting the sauce set and flavors meld before serving.

Helpful Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Watch pasta closely and drain immediately at al dente stage to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Sear chicken at high heat to develop rich golden-brown caramelization, which enhances overall taste profile of the dish.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly grated parmesan for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded alternatives.
• Crispy Topping Technique: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly and toast until golden brown for delightful crunch and textural contrast.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer cream sauce gently to achieve smooth, slightly thickened texture without breaking or separating.

Tasty Options For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein like tofu, seasoned similarly for rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate wheat sensitivities while maintaining dish's core elements.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap herbs for za'atar seasoning to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping creamy sauce and protein components intact.

What Pairs Well With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy pasta's rich flavor profile and cut through the heaviness of the dish.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and add a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy chicken bake.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, toasted sourdough or Italian bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft pasta.
• Choose Refreshing Mocktail: Mix a citrus-based sparkling drink with fresh mint and a splash of lime to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall dining experience.

How To Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in oven-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water or extra cream to prevent dryness. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust or omit them for a less spicy version.

• Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Ziti, rigatoni, or rotini work great as substitutes for penne.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate, just add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time when ready to cook.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with classic Italian-inspired ingredients. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta combine in one irresistible casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Grains:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil.
2. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from pan and slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
6. Simmer the cream sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and cream sauce in the prepared baking dish. Gently mix to ensure even coating.
8. Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley over the top.
9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
10. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Make chicken tender by pounding it to an even thickness before seasoning, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
• Add spinach or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-dish meal.
• Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly option that everyone can enjoy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg