Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meets culinary delight in this mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors in every single bite.

The robust garlic notes dance beautifully with parmesan rich, nutty essence, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and carbs, ensuring you feel completely satisfied.

Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this pasta bake will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds of this irresistible meal.

What Makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake So Good

• Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple, all-in-one meal that combines pasta, protein, and cheese in a single baking dish.

Ingredients Needed For Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A hearty base that provides the foundation for this comforting dish.
• Chicken: Protein-packed and flavorful meat that adds substance to the pasta bake.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and creates a gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth of flavor to the dish.

• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that provide a rich and savory base flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Herbs: Dried herbs that bring a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create a smooth and cohesive sauce.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps prevent ingredients from sticking.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and subtle freshness.

How To Make Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Boil Water And Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add pasta and cook until just shy of al dente.

The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you want it slightly firm.

Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Prepare Creamy Chicken Mixture

• Cooked chicken
• Cream cheese
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well blended.

Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Combine Pasta And Chicken

Add the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture.

Gently fold everything together, ensuring pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Create Cheesy Topping

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Dried parsley

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased baking dish.

Spread evenly and sprinkle the prepared cheese mixture on top, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.

For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious pasta bake hot and bubbling!

Helpful Hints For Garlic Pasta Bake Success

• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, ensuring perfect texture.
• Add reserved pasta water to prevent dryness and create a creamy, cohesive sauce that binds ingredients beautifully.
• Monitor broiling time carefully to achieve golden, melted cheese without burning, which can happen quickly.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options, and use low-fat cheese to create a healthier version of this comforting meal.

Storing And Reheating Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta bake to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Dishes To Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Crisp Chardonnay Pairing
• The buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay complements the rich garlic and cheese notes, creating a smooth and balanced taste experience that enhances the creamy pasta texture.
• Refresh with Zesty Side Salad
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, adding brightness and a peppery contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Perfectly Match Garlic Bread Sidekick
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta bake to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy textural element that echoes the dish's garlicky profile.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Medley
• Prepare a simple roasted vegetable side with zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with herbs to add color, nutrition, and a caramelized depth that balances the creamy pasta.

Pasta Bake Versions You’ll Want To Try

• Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta Bake: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rice pasta, ensuring the same creamy texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas, maintaining the rich garlic Parmesan sauce and keeping the protein content high.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the cheesy, garlicky essence of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and dairy-free mozzarella-style shreds, creating a creamy casserole suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can swap the pasta type. Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best as they hold the sauce well and create a great texture.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love cheesy pasta dishes. The combination of chicken, cheese, and pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to the mixture. They’ll boost the nutritional value without changing the delicious flavor profile.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.