Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, a swoon-worthy comfort classic that combines tender chicken, a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly baked pasta all under a blanket of bubbling cheese. This is the weekday hero and the weekend celebration all rolled into one irresistible casserole dish. You’ll love how the nutty Parmesan melds with the juicy chicken, each bite full of flavor and soul-warming richness, making it the kind of dinner everyone will beg to have again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the simple, familiar ingredients that make this dish a family favorite. Each one plays a starring role, contributing layers of flavor, creamy richness, and crave-worthy golden edges to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

• Pasta: Choose penne, rigatoni, or rotini—these shapes catch all the cheesy sauce in their ridges for the best bites.
• Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and adds savory depth right from the start.
• Chicken breasts: Diced and tender, they soak up all the garlicky, Parmesan goodness.
• Garlic: Four cloves means bold, aromatic flavor in every forkful—make sure they’re fresh!
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the creamy sauce base.
• All-purpose flour: The secret for thickening the velvety sauce to coat every noodle and piece of chicken.
• Milk: Whole milk or 2% both work to make the sauce extra creamy and satisfying.
• Chicken broth: Lends depth and a subtle savory backbone to the sauce without heaviness.
• Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbal brightness that punches up the flavor just right.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a gentle kick that keeps things exciting.
• Parmesan cheese: The star, lending nutty, salty notes that bind all the ingredients together.
• Mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, irresistible cheese pull when you serve the bake.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to perfection.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness for serving that makes the whole dish sing.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and toss in your pasta of choice. Cook it just until al dente—you want those noodles to hold up to all the gooey, cheesy sauce they’re about to meet. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden on the outside and completely cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t be afraid to let the chicken pick up a little color—those crispy edges are terrific in the finished Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Set the chicken aside for now.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now for the heart of the dish: that luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce! Melt the butter in the same skillet used for the chicken (hello, extra flavor), then stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just about a minute. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it for a minute or two to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, continuing to whisk, so no lumps form. Let it simmer and bubble gently until it thickens; this usually takes about 5 minutes. Season with Italian herbs, a bit of red pepper flakes if you want some zip, and stir in 1 cup of Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Add your cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything so the sauce coats every piece beautifully. Pour this decadent mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top—this is what will give that gorgeous bubbling crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the aroma fills every corner of your kitchen. Resist the urge to dive right in—give it a few minutes to rest before serving so the sauce thickens just a bit more.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Garnishes

A flourish of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finish for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. It doesn’t just look pretty—it adds a vibrant, fresh note that balances all those rich, savory flavors. Try an extra sprinkling of Parmesan or a dusting of black pepper as well for a personal touch.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of warm garlic bread or a basket of fluffy dinner rolls is practically a must, ready to soak up any sauce left at the bottom of your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake family-style, straight from the baking dish, for that comforting, casual feel. Or, spoon into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party twist. Turn leftovers into gourmet packed lunches by reheating and packing them into thermos jars for an on-the-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake to cool completely before popping leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay delicious and fresh for up to three days—perfect for fast lunches or an easy dinner later in the week.

Freezing

To freeze, tightly wrap the cooled, unbaked casserole (or baked and cooled, if you prefer) in a double layer of foil. It keeps well for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creaminess and that all-important cheesy stretch.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes for a full tray, or less for smaller portions). You can also microwave individual servings; add a splash of milk or broth if it needs moisture, and always stir halfway for best results.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just add it to the sauce along with the cooked pasta when assembling the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Anything with ridges or tubes works beautifully—penne, rigatoni, or rotini all hold onto the creamy sauce and cheese. Short shapes keep everything nicely mixed in every bite.

Can I add veggies to the bake?

Definitely! Try folding in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, or peas right before baking. They add a pop of color and make the dish even more satisfying.

Is it possible to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce—the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce to your desired heat level, or add a pinch of cayenne. A dash of hot sauce on the table also lets each person customize their own serving.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, you’ll understand why it’s the dish I reach for when I want to impress or just enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal. Dive in and make it your own—your kitchen will smell amazing, your family will be thrilled, and you might even find yourself sneaking a second helping. You’re going to love every creamy, cheesy bite!

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