Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic flavor. Tender chicken is tossed with pasta, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and baked to golden perfection under a blanket of melted cheese. It’s an easy, comforting dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the butter and let it melt.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1 cup mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Combine & Assemble
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
4. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole Recipes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake