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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil.
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the cream sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and cream sauce in the prepared baking dish. Gently mix to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
- 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