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
Scale
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.
