Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe: Family Favorite

Whipping up a delectable garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Comfort meets elegance with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Layers of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich sauce create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Aromatic garlic and sharp parmesan cheese blend seamlessly, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top add irresistible texture to every forkful.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings call for this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Why Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Is Always A Hit

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: Dive into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish bursting with rich garlic and herb-infused chicken that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Master Minimal Prep Technique: Create a restaurant-quality dinner using simple cooking methods like searing chicken and building a luxurious sauce in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.
• Customize Heat and Spice: Control the dish's personality by adjusting red pepper flakes, making it perfect for spice lovers and mild-flavor fans alike, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their ideal flavor profile.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this recipe satisfies diverse palates with its creamy texture, tender chicken, and irresistible parmesan cheese topping.

What’s In Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein source in this creamy pasta dish.

• Penne Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Provide a rich and smooth foundation for the luxurious sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce texture.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes to the sauce's creaminess and helps thicken the mixture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the entire dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Dried Oregano: Provides a subtle herbal note to the chicken seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright color and light herbal finish to the dish.

Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 375°F and slide the rack right in the middle for that perfect, even warmth.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano

Make sure every inch gets some love with the seasonings.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook those chicken breasts until they’re golden and totally done. You’ll want about 6-7 minutes on each side.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Take the chicken off the heat, let it chill for 5 minutes, then slice into cute bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Garlic Magic

In the same skillet, melt some butter and toss in minced garlic. Let it sizzle until it’s fragrant and just turning golden.

Step 6: Create a Creamy Base

• Heavy cream
• Milk

Whisk like crazy to get everything smooth and dreamy.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Drop in cream cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce.

Step 8: Parmesan Power

Stir in most of the parmesan, keeping a little back for topping. Watch the sauce turn thick and luxurious.

Step 9: Add Some Kick

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes – go easy or go wild, depending on your spice tolerance.

Step 10: Cook the Pasta

Boil penne in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain when done.

Step 11: Combine Everything

Mix the pasta, sliced chicken, and that dreamy sauce in a big baking dish. Make sure everything gets cozy together.

Step 12: Final Flourish

Scatter the remaining parmesan and some chopped fresh parsley on top.

Step 13: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top gets all golden and bubbly.

Step 14: Let It Rest

Give the dish 5-10 minutes to settle down. This helps the flavors get to know each other and the sauce to set up nicely.

Tips For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust without moisture interference.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cream and cream cheese slowly to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth sauce.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes carefully, starting with a small amount and tasting before adding more heat.
• Pasta Texture Matters: Cook penne al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, checking doneness by tasting a piece.
• Resting Time Is Crucial: Let the dish sit after baking to allow flavors to develop and sauce to slightly thicken for better serving.

Twists To Try On Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Spicy Southwestern Chicken Pasta: Replace oregano with chili powder, add diced green chilies, swap parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and incorporate black beans for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pasta Version: Substitute penne with roasted cauliflower florets, use heavy cream alternative like coconut cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach for a keto-friendly adaptation.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Infuse sauce with fresh basil and thyme, use feta cheese instead of parmesan, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

What To Pair With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pair Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with
• Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy sauce and cut through its velvety texture.
• Veggie Vibrance: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or a crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's decadent flavors and add fresh, light notes.
• Bread Bliss: Warm garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices make the perfect side, ideal for soaking up the luxurious parmesan cream sauce and adding a delightful crunch.
• Refreshing Finale: Pour a glass of sparkling water with lemon or a light, citrusy iced tea to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Storage Tips For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, then remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake FAQs

• Why is searing the chicken important?

Searing locks in moisture, creates a delicious golden-brown exterior, and develops rich flavor compounds through the Maillard reaction, ensuring juicy and tasty chicken.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while penne works best, you can substitute with similar tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni or ziti that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes provide a mild background heat that doesn’t overpower the dish. You can adjust the quantity from a pinch to a full teaspoon based on your spice tolerance.

• What if I want to make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake, where Italian-inspired flavors dance on your plate. Cheesy, aromatic layers meld perfectly, promising a delightful dinner that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 500 g / 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 lbs / 900 g boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 2 cups / 480 ml heavy cream
• 1 cup / 240 ml whole milk
• 1.5 cups / 150 g parmesan cheese
• 1 cup / 225 g cream cheese
• 0.5 cup / 115 g butter

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup / 15 g fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, positioning the rack in the center for even heating.
2. Season chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Sear chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth base.
7. Add cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.
8. Incorporate most of the parmesan cheese, reserving some for topping, and stir until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
9. Mix in red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, adjusting to personal preference.
10. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes, then drain.
11. Combine pasta, sliced chicken, and creamy sauce in a large baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
12. Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top.
13. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden and bubbling.
14. Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and sauce set.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier bite-sized pieces.
• Choose whole milk or low-fat alternatives depending on desired richness and dietary needs.
• Add roasted vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and color variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 850
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 32 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg