Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

The garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake is one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The rich, creamy sauce coats the pasta perfectly, with every bite bursting with the savory goodness of roasted garlic and the sharp, salty kick of Parmesan cheese. As it bakes, the top forms a beautiful, golden crust, giving way to a tender, gooey interior. The chicken is juicy and seasoned to perfection, adding heartiness to the dish without overpowering the flavors. What really makes this recipe special, though, is how it all comes together in one dish—making cleanup a breeze while still delivering a comforting meal that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or making it for a cozy weekend gathering, this pasta bake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that’s endlessly customizable too. Feel free to add a handful of spinach or swap in some crispy bacon for extra richness—there’s no wrong way to make it your own!

Key Ingredients in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

The magic of this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake lies in its ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building the flavor profile and creamy texture. From the rich, comforting sauce to the perfectly cooked chicken and crispy topping, every component is essential to achieving that irresistible balance of flavors. Let’s break down each ingredient and how it contributes to the dish.

– Chicken breast

Tender, juicy, and mild in flavor, diced chicken breast provides the heartiness that makes this pasta bake so satisfying. It takes on the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan, becoming a comforting and protein-packed component of the dish.

– Pasta (penne or rotini)

The pasta is the base of the dish, soaking up the creamy sauce and holding all of the ingredients together. Penne or rotini are perfect choices because their shape allows for the sauce to cling to them, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

– Olive oil

Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and chicken, adding richness and a subtle fruity flavor. It’s a pantry staple that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

– Garlic

Garlic is the star of the show here, infusing the sauce with a savory, aromatic kick. When roasted, it becomes sweet and mellow, adding an essential layer of flavor to the creamy sauce.

– Salt

Salt brings out the natural flavors in all the ingredients, balancing out the richness of the cream and cheese while enhancing the savory notes.

– Black pepper

A pinch of black pepper adds just the right amount of warmth and depth, rounding out the flavor profile and giving the dish a slight kick without being overwhelming.

– Red pepper flakes

The red pepper flakes provide a touch of heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce, adding a little zing that makes the dish even more dynamic.

– Grated Parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese is the flavor foundation of this bake. Its sharp, salty taste melds with the garlic and the creamy sauce, giving the dish a rich, umami flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.

– Shredded mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese brings gooey, melty goodness to the bake, creating that perfect, satisfying texture when it all comes together in the oven. It also helps form that golden, cheesy crust on top.

– Heavy cream

Heavy cream creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken, making the dish rich and decadent without being too heavy.

– Chicken broth

Chicken broth adds moisture and depth to the sauce, infusing it with savory flavor while preventing it from becoming too thick or heavy.

– Sour cream

Sour cream contributes to the creaminess of the sauce while adding a subtle tang that cuts through the richness, creating a balanced flavor profile.

– Dried parsley

Dried parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that lightens up the dish and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

– Dried basil

Dried basil complements the garlic and chicken with a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor that gives the sauce a bit of depth and complexity.

– Butter

Butter adds richness to the sauce, giving it a silky texture that coats every piece of pasta and chicken perfectly. It also helps bring all the ingredients together harmoniously.

– Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top of the dish before baking creates a beautiful, golden crust, adding even more cheesy goodness to the dish.

– Breadcrumbs (for topping)

The breadcrumbs add crunch and texture to the top of the pasta bake, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. As they bake, they form a golden, crispy layer that enhances the overall appeal of the dish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

3. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

4. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

6. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

7. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes while it cooks.

8. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

9. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

10. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

11. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.

12. Add the heavy cream and sour cream to the skillet, stirring until smooth and well combined.

13. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

14. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried parsley, and dried basil.

15. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.

16. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it into the sauce.

17. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.

18. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

19. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.

20. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.

21. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

22. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

– *Serve with a crisp, refreshing salad*

A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta bake. The freshness of the salad cuts through the creamy dish, making each bite even more enjoyable.

– *Pair with warm, buttery garlic bread*

You can’t go wrong with garlic bread to scoop up the creamy sauce that might get left behind on the plate. The crispy, buttery goodness is the perfect sidekick to this hearty pasta bake.

– *Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs*

After baking, add a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and a pop of fresh flavor. It’s an easy way to elevate the dish and give it a little extra something special.

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this creamy, cheesy pasta bake, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it as fresh and delicious as possible.

– In the fridge

Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the top is slightly crispy again.

– In the freezer

You can freeze the pasta bake if you want to enjoy it down the road. Allow the dish to cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

– Individually portioned

For easy grab-and-go meals, portion the leftovers into individual servings before refrigerating or freezing. This makes reheating a breeze and ensures that you’ll enjoy a perfect portion every time. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.

No matter how you store it, this pasta bake is sure to stay comforting and flavorful for days to come!

Conclusion

And there you have it! This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich, creamy flavors with a crispy, golden topping that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend gathering, or just because you deserve a delicious treat, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. The best part? It’s versatile, easy to make, and you can adjust it to your liking. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Feel like switching up the cheese? Totally up to you!

Now that you have all the details, you can go ahead and make this dish, and if you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), you know exactly how to store them for later. Don’t forget to come back and share your thoughts with me—whether it’s a little tweak you tried or just how much you loved it, I’d love to hear about it! If you have any questions or need help with the recipe, feel free to ask.

Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 650

Description

A creamy, cheesy pasta bake loaded with tender chicken, roasted garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Baked to golden perfection, every bite offers a burst of savory flavors with a rich, comforting finish. It’s a cozy, irresistible dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds chicken breast, diced

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1 tablespoon dried basil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
7. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes while it cooks.
8. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
9. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
10. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
11. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
12. Add the heavy cream and sour cream to the skillet, stirring until smooth and well combined.
13. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
14. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried parsley, and dried basil.
15. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
16. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it into the sauce.
17. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
18. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
19. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
20. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
21. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
22. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Note

• To prevent the chicken from drying out, cook it until just browned and cooked through, then remove from the pan to avoid overcooking during the baking step.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream and mozzarella or substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
• To add more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a garlic-herb mixture before cooking.
• Use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for a sharper, more robust flavor.
• For extra crunch on top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, chicken pasta bake recipe, easy garlic parmesan bake, creamy chicken pasta bake, baked chicken pasta casserole