Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

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Introduction

Looking for a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that’s easy to make? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort food! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, garlicky parmesan cheese sauce all come together in a baked casserole that’s golden, bubbly, and irresistible.

This easy pasta bake is a great weeknight meal, perfect for meal prep, and a hit at family gatherings. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade casserole in under an hour. Pair it with a fresh salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth (to adjust sauce consistency)

For the Bake:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ½ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown.
  4. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
  4. Add parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  6. If the sauce is too thick, add chicken broth a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, garlic parmesan sauce, and cooked chicken. Toss until everything is coated.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Make the Crispy Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
  2. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta bake for a crispy, golden topping.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the top.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Use Different Proteins: Try shrimp, sausage, or rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken.
  • Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • You can freeze the pasta bake before or after baking for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

  • Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent drying out.

10 FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

  1. Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
    Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
    Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the sauce well.
  3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
    Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.
  4. How do I make it extra creamy?
    Add cream cheese or an extra ½ cup of heavy cream for more richness.
  5. Can I make this without heavy cream?
    Yes, substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter, but the sauce will be thinner.
  6. How can I make it more cheesy?
    Add more parmesan or mix in some cheddar or gouda for extra cheesiness.
  7. What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
    Crushed crackers, Italian breadcrumbs, or grated parmesan work well.
  8. Can I freeze this dish?
    Yes! Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
  9. What’s a good side dish for this pasta bake?
    Serve with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
  10. Can I make this dish without baking?
    Yes! Simply cook everything on the stove and serve it straight from the pan.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy gathering, this pasta bake is guaranteed to be a hit!

Try this easy pasta casserole tonight and let me know how it turns out! Looking for more baked pasta dishes? Check out this Chicken Alfredo Bake for another delicious option. 🍝✨

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