Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and pasta baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a cozy gathering, this recipe has you covered.

But what makes this pasta bake truly special? It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. The garlicky cream sauce combined with the Parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy base, while the chicken adds a satisfying protein punch. Best of all, it comes together in just about an hour, so you can enjoy a comforting meal without spending all day in the kitchen. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up a meal that will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts – 2 large, boneless and skinless (you can also use thighs for a juicier option)
• Pasta – 8 oz of penne, rotini, or any pasta you prefer
• Parmesan Cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated (trust me, freshly grated makes all the difference!)
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (because we all know garlic is the secret to amazing flavor!)
• Heavy Cream – 1 cup (this adds to the creamy richness)
• Cream Cheese – 4 oz, softened (for an extra creamy texture)
• Chicken Broth – 1/2 cup (for a savory depth of flavor)
• Olive Oil – 1 tbsp (for sautéing the chicken)
• Butter – 2 tbsp (adds richness and flavor)
• Salt and Pepper – to taste
• Fresh Parsley – for garnish (optional, but it makes it look so pretty!)

Where to Find Ingredients:

Most of these ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store. If you want to save time, you can pick up pre-grated Parmesan cheese, but I highly recommend grating it yourself for a fresher, more flavorful result. When it comes to pasta, you can use any shape you like, but something like penne or rotini works particularly well because it holds onto the creamy sauce.

Tip: If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using half-and-half or milk instead of the heavy cream. For dairy-free options, swap out the cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.

How to Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. Set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it, as you want the starch to help the sauce stick later.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook them for about 7-8 minutes per side, until they’re browned and cooked through. Make sure the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant (but not burnt!). Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, and whisk until the sauce is smooth. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with an extra layer of Parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible, golden, cheesy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional), then serve it hot and enjoy!

Variations and Customizations for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This recipe is highly versatile, which means you can easily customize it to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.

Alternative Ingredients:

• Protein Options: If you prefer turkey, shrimp, or even a vegetarian version with mushrooms or tofu, feel free to swap out the chicken. Each of these alternatives will bring something unique to the dish.
• Pasta Varieties: Penne or rotini works great, but you can use rigatoni, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta to make this recipe fit your preferences.
• Dairy-Free Adaptations: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese to make this dish completely dairy-free.

Flavor Boosters:

• Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme, oregano, or basil to bring even more flavor into the dish.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle over the top before serving.
• Zesty Lemon: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top to add brightness to the rich, creamy flavor.

Presentation Tips:

For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle the top with fresh parsley right before serving. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra flavor and shine. If you want to make the dish look extra fancy, top it with some toasted breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy, golden crust.

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

While this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is definitely a comfort food, it’s also a relatively balanced dish. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional info:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

Health Benefits:

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Packed with calcium and protein, it helps strengthen bones and support overall health.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to improve heart health, garlic adds not only flavor but health benefits as well.

While this dish isn’t exactly low-calorie, it’s filling and provides plenty of nutrients, making it a balanced option for a weeknight meal when paired with a healthy side salad.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Wondering what to serve alongside this delicious chicken pasta bake? Here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

Side Dish Suggestions:

• Simple Green Salad: Pair this rich dish with a light, fresh salad. A mix of leafy greens like arugula, spinach, and romaine with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the creamy richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts are great side options that provide a healthy, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Nothing goes better with pasta than garlic bread. Toasted, buttery bread will help mop up any leftover sauce.

Beverage Pairings:

• Iced Tea: A cool glass of iced tea with lemon or mint complements the richness of the dish.
• Lemonade: If you’re craving something refreshing and slightly tangy, lemonade makes an excellent beverage to enjoy with this pasta bake.

FAQ Section: Your Most Common Questions Answered ❓

Here are some common questions we get about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe, along with helpful answers to make your cooking experience even easier!

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the pasta bake up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, then bake as directed. If you want to freeze it, it also holds up well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking Fresh Chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time. Simply shred the chicken and mix it into the sauce and pasta. This will cut down on prep time while still delivering great flavor.

What’s the Best Type of Pasta to Use?

Penne, rotini, and fusilli are all fantastic options because they hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you prefer! Bowtie pasta or shells also work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Cream Cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cream cheese if you prefer. The creaminess in this dish comes mostly from the heavy cream and Parmesan, so the dish will still be delicious. If you want to maintain that rich, creamy texture, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese instead.

Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?

Of course! This recipe is super customizable. You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they bake evenly with the pasta.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you’re reheating from the fridge, you might want to add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

Cooking Notes and Tips: Extra Tricks for Perfecting This Dish

If you want to take this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake to the next level, here are a few extra tips and tricks!

Chef’s Notes:

• Crispy Top: To get that perfect golden, bubbly crust, broil the pasta bake for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: When sautéing the chicken, make sure not to overcook it. Chicken can become dry if it’s left in the pan for too long. Aim for a light golden color on the outside, and it will finish cooking in the oven.

Pro Tips:

• Make it Faster: To speed things up, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can also use jarred Alfredo sauce if you’re in a real time crunch though I recommend the homemade version for the best flavor.
• Keep It Creamy: If the sauce seems too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

Storage Tips:

• Leftovers: After you’ve enjoyed your pasta bake, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Freezing: You can freeze this pasta bake for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is more than just a meal it’s comfort in a dish. With creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, it’s a dish that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this recipe delivers big on flavor without requiring hours of prep time.

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, this pasta bake is a must-try! Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite ingredients or use what you have on hand. The versatility and simplicity make it the perfect dish to keep in your regular rotation.

Ready to try this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or any variations you tried. And if you’re looking for more quick and comforting dinner ideas, don’t forget to explore other recipes on the blog. There’s always something new to try!

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