Recipe For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake With Cream

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake combines comfort and elegance in one delightful dish.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe promises to become a family favorite that everyone craves.

Pasta lovers will rejoice at the perfect blend of savory flavors and creamy textures that make this dish truly special.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience that looks and tastes like something from a gourmet restaurant.

Standout Features of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Quick Comfort Meal: This pasta bake delivers pure satisfaction when your family craves something hearty and delicious without complicated cooking steps.
• Pantry Friendly: Chances are good you already have most ingredients in your kitchen, making this recipe super convenient for a last-minute dinner solution.
• One-Dish Wonder: Your cleanup will be minimal since everything bakes together in a single dish, saving precious time after a busy day.
• Crowd-Pleaser Potential: With cheesy sauce and tender chicken, this dish works perfectly for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone wants something tasty and filling.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Ingredient List

• Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Tender protein that makes this dish hearty and filling for your dinner.

• Penne or Rigatoni Pasta (12 oz): Sturdy pasta shape that catches the creamy sauce perfectly in every delicious bite.

• Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp): Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Milk (2 cups): Provides the creamy foundation for your sauce.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Ensures an extra luxurious and velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Brings a sharp, salty depth to your pasta dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Delivers that irresistible melty stretch when baked.

• Garlic Cloves (3), Minced: Brings a punchy, aromatic flavor to every forkful.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds an extra layer of garlic intensity.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Introduces a blend of herbs that complement the chicken and cheese.

• All-Purpose Flour (3 tbsp): Helps thicken your creamy sauce.
• Chicken Broth (1 cup): Adds depth and savory notes.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors in your dish.

• Chopped Parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, bright garnish to your baked pasta.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Large Skillet (12-inch): Your go-to pan for creating that rich, creamy sauce and sautéing garlic to perfection.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour into butter and preventing any pesky lumps in your sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect vessel for bringing your cheesy pasta creation together and baking to golden deliciousness.
• Large Pot (5-6 quart): Needed for boiling your pasta to that ideal al dente texture.
• Colander: Helps you drain your pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce and mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure your ingredients are precisely measured for consistent results.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for any chopping or shredding tasks during preparation.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for all your ingredient prep work.

Basic Preparation Steps for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Helpful Cooking Notes For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays tender when baked, not mushy.
• Mince fresh garlic instead of using pre-chopped for a more vibrant, authentic flavor in your sauce.
• Grate your own Parmesan and mozzarella for a smoother, more even melt that coats every bite.
• Rotisserie chicken works great as a quick shortcut if shredding chicken feels like extra work.
• Watch the broiler carefully to get that golden-brown cheese crust without burning your delicious creation.

Flavor Twists For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Seafood Swap: Replace shredded chicken with tender, flaked salmon or succulent shrimp for a delightful ocean-inspired version of the pasta bake.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms to create a hearty plant-based alternative that keeps all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make the sauce thick and smooth for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, comforting flavors of the original dish.

How To Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Cheesy Perfection

• Serve Warm and Comforting: Scoop this cheesy pasta directly from the baking dish while it’s hot, letting the melted cheese stretch as your fork pulls through the creamy mixture.
• Perfect Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Wine Matching Magic: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the garlic and cheese without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.
• Fresh Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Storage Notes For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming gently to maintain the sauce’s smooth consistency.
• Store unused cheese and cream separately in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maximize freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Keep cooked chicken in a separate container from the pasta to maintain its texture, and combine just before reheating to prevent sogginess.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Questions Explained

Extra Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake delivers pure comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in one delicious dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm your oven to a precise 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Boil 12 oz pasta in salted water for 8-9 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle 3 tbsp flour into the butter and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth roux.
5. Gradually pour 2 cups milk, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 cup heavy cream into the skillet. Whisk consistently to prevent lumps.
6. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and coats the back of your spoon.
7. Stir 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella into the creamy sauce.
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
9. Fold 2 cups shredded chicken and the cooked pasta into the cheesy sauce until everything is evenly coated.
10. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.
11. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
12. Bake at 375°F for 22-25 minutes until the cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
13. Optional: Activate your broiler and crisp the top for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
14. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving hot.

Notes

• Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra moisture and deeper flavor, ensuring your pasta bake stays tender and rich.
• When cooking pasta, stop just short of al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce and oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese, creating a more luxurious sauce with better consistency.
• Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Baked
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg