Description
Whipping up Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake feels like bringing comfort straight to your dinner table. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a delicious meal your family will devour in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Spices:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F and grab a large baking dish for your pasta masterpiece.
- Cook 12 ounces penne pasta in boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain completely.
- Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until aromatic.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter into the garlic pan and whisk 2 tablespoons flour until it forms a smooth paste.
- Pour 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream into the roux, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Blend 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the creamy sauce until silky.
- Fold 2 cups shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated.
- Spread the pasta mixture evenly in your baking dish and sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella across the top.
- Bake for 22 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust that looks absolutely delicious.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving your creamy, cheesy creation.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother sauce consistency.
- Ensure pasta is al dente before mixing with sauce to prevent mushy texture when baking.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a quick protein shortcut in this comforting pasta bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg