Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake brings comfort right to your dinner table with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines tender chicken and pasta in one satisfying skillet that your family will absolutely devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Finishing and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Crank your oven to 375°F and grab a large pot for pasta. Cook 12 oz of pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente texture. Drain and set pasta aside.
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and sauté until your kitchen smells fragrant, about 45-60 seconds.
- Pour 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup milk into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Stir ½ cup Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid. Add ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and optional ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Whisk until cheese melts completely.
- Toss 2 cups diced chicken into the sauce. Mix your cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella cheese across the top, covering everything evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes after removing from oven. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta just shy of package instructions to prevent mushiness when baking, as the pasta continues cooking in the oven.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut, or swap in leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
- Lactose-free alternatives work perfectly – substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a sensitive diet version.
- Fresh garlic makes a huge difference compared to pre-minced, so chop your own for the most robust flavor in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg