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