Description
Get ready to dive into a creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a casual family dinner. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake brings together tender pasta, golden chicken, and a rich garlic-parmesan sauce all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes for meal prep, or hearty comfort food that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you’re hunting for new dinner ideas or reliable food ideas for the week, this easy recipe is guaranteed to earn a spot in your rotation.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
12 oz short pasta (penne or rotini)
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
5. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth.
7. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
8. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, and creamy sauce until well combined.
9. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of mozzarella on top.
11. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
12. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the top.
13. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Always cook your pasta slightly underdone, as it will continue to soften in the oven.
Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
A splash of milk or cream added when reheating will bring the creaminess back beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg