If you are craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that brings together tender chicken, luscious pasta, and a decadent sauce, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a wonderful dish that balances creamy textures with the savory punch of garlic and Parmesan, all baked to bubbly perfection. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for a heavenly meal. Each component plays a crucial role: pasta provides the hearty base, chicken brings protein-packed tenderness, and the creamy, cheesy sauce ties it all together with rich, comforting flavor and irresistible texture.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta like penne or rotini to hold up under the creamy sauce without getting mushy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken perfectly while adding a subtle fruity aroma.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and flavorful when seasoned and cooked just right.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the heart of this dish, infusing the sauce with its unmistakable aroma and bold taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fresh, herbaceous balance to the richness of the cream and cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, but can be adjusted depending on your taste preferences.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle, spicy kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to achieving that silky, creamy sauce that envelops every pasta piece lovingly.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and a savory base to round out the sauce’s flavors.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings that sharp, nutty, salty flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, creating that irresistible, bubbly topping.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: A little magic to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): An extra cheesy crust that crisps up gorgeously in the oven.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare your cookware
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, grab a suitable baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray to ensure your pasta bake doesn’t stick. This step sets you up perfectly for the layers of creamy goodness to come.
Step 2: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your uncooked pasta according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Drain it well, as you don’t want soggy pasta in your bake. Set it aside while you prepare the savory chicken and sauce components.
Step 3: Sauté the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add them to the hot skillet, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes until cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove from heat and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Create the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, letting it sauté until fragrant but not browned — about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir constantly to form a roux, cooking for a minute. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly so the sauce thickens without lumps. Once thickened, remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble and bake
Combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the reserved Parmesan on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled atop adds a vibrant punch of color and a mild freshness that balances the creaminess. If you like a little extra zest, a quick squeeze of lemon juice or a dusting of extra Parmesan can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta bake pairs beautifully with a green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also bring texture and nutrition, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins to give each guest their own bubbling, personalized pasta bake. Alternatively, layering the pasta and chicken in a clear glass casserole lets your guests admire the beautiful golden toppings before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to make it ahead for busy nights. Before baking, assemble the pasta bake, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra baking time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to retain that perfect texture and melted cheese. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover slightly to avoid drying out the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or broth can revive the sauce’s lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sturdy shapes like penne or rotini are ideal for holding the sauce, you can swap with fusilli, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni and achieve delicious results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or even use plant-based chicken substitutes for a vegetarian-friendly version that still highlights the creamy garlic Parmesan flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese topping?
Make sure to sprinkle a good amount of both mozzarella and Parmesan on top before baking. Baking uncovered at 375 degrees allows the cheese to bubble and brown beautifully, giving you that irresistible crispiness.
Can I prepare this dish entirely in advance?
You can assemble the pasta bake a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just add the cheese topping before baking. For longer storage, freeze before baking and thaw when ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those treasures you want to have in your cooking arsenal. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy every craving for comfort food done right. Give it a try soon—you might just find this becoming a regular on your family’s dinner table.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the creamy sauce: To the same skillet, sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over the garlic remnants and stir well to coat. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and creamy sauce. Mix well and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, colorful garnish before serving.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though it may result in a less creamy sauce.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and set for easier serving.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
