Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy and comforting dish filled with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. This baked casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for special occasions. Here’s the recipe for this delicious dish!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or rigatoni pasta according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not burnt.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it into the butter and garlic. Cook for about 1 minute to make a roux (this will thicken your sauce).
- Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens up to a creamy consistency.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta and shredded or diced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake:
- Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and, if desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish.
5. Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- If you added breadcrumbs, they should be golden brown and crisp.
6. Serve:
- Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Adding Veggies: You can mix in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, you can increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the pasta bake the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven (you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time).
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any pasta lover! Enjoy!
