The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Ever

Craving a comforting garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake that brings serious flavor to your dinner table?

My kitchen experiments have yielded this incredibly satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Layers of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination that everyone loves.

Robust parmesan adds a delightful sharpness while garlic infuses each bite with rich, aromatic warmth.

Simple ingredients come together in one magical pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore this hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family dinner.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Is So Craveable

• Create Creamy Comfort: Dive into a dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Tackle Weeknight Dinner Challenges: Solve the dinner dilemma with a one-pan marvel that combines protein, pasta, and cheese in a crowd-pleasing meal that keeps everyone happy.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Impress Without Stress: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes sophisticated but requires simple cooking techniques anyone can master.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides a hearty protein base for the casserole.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that binds the dish together.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a luxurious cheesy flavor and creates a golden, melty topping.

• Pasta: Serves as the main carbohydrate component of the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté chicken and prevent sticking.
• Garlic: Provides a fragrant and flavorful base for the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the chicken and casserole.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden texture to the casserole surface.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh garnish and bright color to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Guide

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Slice Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season generously with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and slightly golden, releasing its aromatic qualities.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Add seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until each piece turns golden brown and reaches complete doneness, which takes around 6-8 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Half of the parmesan cheese
• Half of the mozzarella cheese

Whisk until smooth and well integrated.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Gently fold cooked pasta and chicken into the cream sauce, ensuring every morsel is thoroughly coated.

Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixed pasta and chicken evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 9: Add Crispy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Remaining parmesan cheese
• Remaining mozzarella cheese

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 11: Rest and Set

Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the sauce stabilize.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Scatter freshly chopped parsley across the top and serve piping hot.

Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Minimize Pasta Sticking: Rinse pasta with cold water after draining to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the cream sauce for extra richness and complexity.
• Achieve Perfect Chicken Texture: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure golden-brown searing and prevent steaming.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
• Meal Prep Hack: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient preparation.

Fun Mix-Ins for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta Bake: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Option: Substitute heavy cream and cheese with coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

What Pairs Well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Elevate Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake with Perfect Pairings
• Savor Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy dish with their light, refreshing notes that cut through the richness.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty, bright contrast to the hearty pasta, balancing the meal's richness and adding nutritional variety.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Garlic-roasted asparagus or Mediterranean-style roasted zucchini brings earthy undertones and additional texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture and prevent soggy texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Typical reheating takes 1-2 minutes depending on quantity.

FAQs for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Fans

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the sauce.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use reduced-fat cheeses, and add more herbs for flavor without extra calories.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers comfort in every forkful, blending creamy cheese with tender chicken. Mediterranean-inspired flavors create a hearty meal that welcomes you to indulge in pure culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Extras:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then slice into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and distribution.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.
4. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking until they turn golden brown and are thoroughly cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, milk, half of the parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese to create a rich, creamy sauce.
7. Gently fold the cooked pasta and chicken into the cream mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
8. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
9. Sprinkle breadcrumbs, remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top to create a crispy, golden crust.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown and bubbling.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to promote even heat distribution and tender meat texture.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for superior melting quality and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calorie content without sacrificing creamy consistency.
• Consider adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers for increased nutritional value and color variety.
• Gluten-free modification can be achieved by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Create a lower-carb version by replacing pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 765
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 175 mg