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