Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
There’s something truly special about a piping hot, cheesy pasta bake straight from the oven. And when you combine juicy chicken, a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta, you get a dish that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Introducing the irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake!
This crowd-pleasing recipe has become a staple in households across the country, and it’s easy to see why. The rich, velvety sauce coats every bite of tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a flavor explosion in every forkful. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next potluck, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to be the star of the show.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake apart from the rest? For starters, the combination of juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, garlic-infused sauce is simply unbeatable. The contrasting textures – the tender chicken, the toothsome pasta, and the luscious, melty cheese topping – create a dining experience that’s nothing short of heavenly.
But beyond its flavor and texture, this recipe is also incredibly accessible and versatile. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge, making it the perfect last-minute meal when you’re short on time. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to accommodate various dietary needs, from reduced-fat options to dairy-free versions. And the best part? This dish can be prepared in advance and frozen for busy weeknights, so you can enjoy the comforting flavors of a homemade pasta bake with minimal effort.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake ❓
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream, and nutty Parmesan cheese creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made pasta bake recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Step 5: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Step 6: Bake the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian-style pasta bakes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 787mg
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bakes provide approximately 70% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the penne pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of the heavy cream, and dairy-free shredded cheese.
• Added protein: Stir in an extra 1/2 cup of cooked, chopped chicken or turkey for a boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Mix in sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the pasta bake with garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Complement the dish with a light, refreshing white wine or a crisp, chilled glass of lemonade.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake alongside a roasted vegetable medley and a simple green salad.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by serving individual portions of the pasta bake with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not simmering the sauce long enough: Allowing the creamy Parmesan sauce to simmer for 5 minutes helps it thicken and develop a rich, velvety consistency. Skipping this step can result in a thin, watery sauce.
• Using low-quality Parmesan cheese: Opt for a high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan can sometimes have a chalky texture and less pronounced nutty taste.
• Overfilling the baking dish: Be mindful not to overstuff the pasta bake, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a potential mess in the oven. Leave a bit of room for the pasta to bake up nicely.
• Forgetting to let it rest: Allow the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the sauce set and prevents it from becoming too runny when scooping onto plates.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bakes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the recipe up to the point of baking, then transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked pasta bake to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly. This will help restore the creamy texture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the entire dish, assemble it in the baking dish, and then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed in the recipe. You can also freeze the unbaked pasta bake for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins. Ground Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the new protein is cooked through. You can also omit the protein entirely for a vegetarian version, adding extra vegetables or a meat-free crumble instead.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
To make a dairy-free Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, you can use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of the heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free shredded cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top. These simple substitutions will allow those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies to enjoy this comforting dish.
What should I do if the sauce seems too thin?
If the creamy Parmesan sauce appears too thin after simmering, try these troubleshooting steps: 1) Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes longer, stirring frequently, to help it thicken naturally. 2) Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk this slurry into the sauce to help it reach the desired consistency. 3) If the sauce is still too thin, you can stir in an extra 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to help it thicken up.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is highly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Try stirring in sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh basil. You can also top the baked pasta with crispy bacon crumbles or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Conclusion
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bakes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next potluck, they’re sure to delight with their creamy, garlic-infused sauce and melty, golden-brown cheese topping. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the kitchen. So why not whip up a batch tonight and experience the comforting, cheesy goodness for yourself? Your family and friends are sure to be asking for seconds!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Step 5: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Step 6: Bake the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
