If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich, comforting flavors with the ease of a one-pan meal, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken breasts mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce that bakes to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the rich, savory flavor and irresistible texture of this creamy pasta bake. From the tender chicken to the melty cheeses, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is so important.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta: A classic base that soaks up all the creamy sauce beautifully and becomes perfectly tender when baked.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken, adding a subtle fruity note and ensuring a golden sear.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing a hearty and juicy element that pairs perfectly with the pasta.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for that aromatic punch and depth of flavor in the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a gentle earthiness that complements the Parmesan and garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings in a subtle, sweet herbal flavor that lifts the overall dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the richness perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat to contrast the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a slight kick that intrigues the palate without overpowering.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to that luxurious, velvety sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory backbone to the sauce without making it too heavy.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Packed with umami, this cheese is the heart of the creamy sauce’s rich flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey bliss on top, creating an irresistible golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a perfect consistency that clings to the chicken and pasta.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): Sprinkled on top before baking for an extra cheesy, crispy finish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your creamy pasta bake doesn’t stick and has a nice surface to brown on top. While the oven warms, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—the pasta needs to be cooked al dente as it will finish baking in the oven.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Chicken
Add the uncooked pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and basil before adding them to the skillet. Cook the chicken breasts until they’re golden brown and cooked through, then remove them from the pan and let them rest for a moment before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about a minute. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir to combine, cooking for another minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, and more seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything in the Baking Dish
Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Fold in the sliced chicken and toss everything together so the sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken pieces. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella and the reserved Parmesan cheese for a perfect golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top. Once out of the oven, let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes to set before serving. This wait allows the sauce to thicken further, making each bite creamy and satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright, fresh flavor and a burst of green color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. You could also add a little extra grated Parmesan for those cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a great side to soak up all the delicious sauce clinging to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. You could also scatter toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits on top for added texture and flavor contrasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pasta bake freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, approximately 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems a bit thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! While traditional shapes like penne or rotini work best for holding sauce, you can use any pasta you prefer. Just remember to adjust cooking time to ensure it’s al dente before baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The flavors will stay just as delicious.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely. This recipe lends itself well to cooked shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein substitute, depending on your preference.
How spicy is the recipe with crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a day in advance, then combine everything and bake when you’re ready. This helps reduce active cooking time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
There is something irresistibly comforting about the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe that invites you back for seconds. Its creamy, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken and pasta makes for a heartwarming meal that anyone can enjoy. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dish that tastes like it took a lot more effort than it really did!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 5m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this baked pasta casserole combines classic Italian flavors with easy preparation.
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 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sear the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over garlic and stir to combine, cooking for one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce in the skillet. Mix well to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the additional 1/4 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken pasta bake!
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream.
- You can use any pasta shape, but penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well to hold the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
