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