Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Whipping up a delightful garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among perfectly cooked pasta, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Parmesan cheese melts into a luxurious sauce that coats every single noodle with incredible flavor.

garlic adds a robust depth that makes this dish irresistibly delicious.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of creamy textures and bold seasonings.

You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds of this mouthwatering pasta bake.

Grab a fork and let’s dive into a culinary experience that promises pure satisfaction.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Comforting Cheesy One-Dish Meal

• Combine everything in a single pan and baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this pasta bake satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its rich, indulgent flavors.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily and requires minimal cooking skills while delivering maximum taste.
• Swap proteins, add vegetables, or adjust seasonings to make this dish your own, ensuring it never gets boring and matches your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pasta: The foundation of this comforting dish that provides hearty texture and bulk.

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and makes the dish more filling.

• Heavy Cream, Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: These creamy ingredients create a rich, smooth sauce with deep, tangy flavor.

• Garlic, Basil, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients enhance the overall taste profile with aromatic and savory notes.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté garlic and prevent sticking while adding a subtle flavor base.

How to Bake Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta until perfectly al dente, following the package instructions.

Once done, drain and set aside, ready for the next stage of deliciousness.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Grab a large pan and pour in some olive oil.

Sizzle the minced garlic until it releases its mouth-watering aroma, filling your kitchen with incredible fragrance.

Step 4: Create the Dreamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently.

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth and irresistible.

Step 5: Combine the Stars

Fold in the cooked chicken and pasta, ensuring every morsel gets coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for a golden, melty crown.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and beautifully bronzed.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Then dig in and enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Choose freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for maximum flavor and creamier texture, avoiding pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Cook pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture and maintaining perfect pasta consistency.
• Mince fresh garlic instead of using pre-chopped to release more intense, robust flavors and enhance the overall dish's aromatic profile.
• Adjust cream thickness by adding pasta water if sauce seems too thick, ensuring smooth and creamy coating for pasta and chicken.
• Easily substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences and convenience.

Storing and Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the pasta dish securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture degradation.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover the pasta with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore some crispy cheese topping.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the chicken pasta bake, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Serve with Zesty Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding a fresh, peppery contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Match with Garlic Bread Crunch: Prepare toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to provide a satisfying textural element that soaks up the delicious creamy sauce and adds a complementary garlic undertone.
• Elevate with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple side of roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to introduce a nutritious and colorful accompaniment that adds nutritional balance to the rich pasta dish.

Variations on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy, cheesy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free recipe that still delivers rich, satisfying taste.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or plant-based chicken alternatives like tofu or seitan to provide protein and keep the pasta bake hearty and filling.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with alternatives like penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian version.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add a little more heavy cream or mix in some cream cheese for an extra rich and smooth texture. Start with small amounts and adjust to your preference.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers comfort and elegance in one delightful dish. Cheesy layers meld with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, promising a satisfying meal for hungry families craving restaurant-quality flavors at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded

Cheeses:

• 1 cup (240 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Sauce Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
3. Sizzle minced garlic in olive oil until aromatic and translucent, releasing its intense flavor.
4. Pour heavy cream into the pan, gently simmering to create a luxurious base sauce.
5. Gradually incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, whisking until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.
6. Season the sauce with fresh basil, salt, and cracked black pepper for depth of flavor.
7. Fold cooked chicken pieces into the creamy sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated.
8. Add drained pasta to the pan, gently tossing until every strand is enveloped in the rich, cheesy sauce.
9. Transfer the entire mixture into a well-greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
10. Sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella across the top for a golden, bubbling finish.
11. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a beautiful golden brown.
12. Allow the pasta bake to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, letting the sauce settle and flavors meld.

Notes

• Boost flavor by roasting garlic before sautéing for deeper, richer taste profile.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it slightly al dente before mixing with sauce, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing creaminess.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using chickpea or gluten-free pasta and ensuring Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg