Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Craving a warm, cheesy, and delicious dinner? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe to satisfy those comfort food cravings! Made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, garlic, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, this baked pasta dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Topped with more cheese and baked until golden, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and tasty variations!

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What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy pasta casserole that combines tender pasta, chicken, a garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy top, making it a comforting and filling meal. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you want something rich and satisfying without a ton of prep.

Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Substitutions and Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This recipe is super flexible, so you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Use different pasta: Any short pasta, like penne, rotini, or fusilli, will work well in this dish.
• Lighten it up: Use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream, and substitute the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a veggie-packed version.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian seasoning to give the dish a little heat.
• Cheesy upgrade: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or even sharp cheddar for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this creamy, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Make the roux: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (a thickening paste).
5. Add the milk and cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Cook for 5-6 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the Parmesan and seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Combine the pasta, chicken, and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and the Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the sauce.
8. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the pasta mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add butter and flour to make a roux.
4. Whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened, then add Parmesan, garlic powder, and seasoning.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in a large bowl, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes covered, then 10-15 minutes uncovered until bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving with optional garnishes like fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly while baking. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole.
2. Not thickening the sauce enough: Be sure to whisk the sauce until it’s thick and creamy before mixing it with the pasta. If the sauce is too thin, the casserole can turn out watery.
3. Forgetting to season: Don’t forget to season the sauce generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Parmesan is salty, but you still need to add enough seasoning to balance the richness of the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This creamy, cheesy casserole is a comforting dish, but you can make it even better with a few serving and presentation tips:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, basil, or chives on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve with garlic bread: Pair the casserole with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Add a side salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta bake.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Here are some ideas for serving this delicious casserole:

• Main dish: Serve generous portions of the pasta bake as the main course, paired with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Potluck favorite: This casserole is great for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s easy to transport, reheats well, and can serve a crowd.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Make your casserole look extra appealing with these presentation tips:

• Bake in a cast iron skillet: For a rustic, homestyle presentation, bake and serve the pasta bake in a cast iron skillet.
• Top with extra Parmesan: Right before serving, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and fresh herbs on top for added flavor and a polished look.
• Serve in individual ramekins: For a dinner party, you can portion the pasta bake into individual oven-safe ramekins for personalized servings.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect:

1. Use rotisserie chicken: For convenience, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred or dice the chicken and mix it into the casserole.
2. Double the recipe for a crowd: If you’re feeding a larger group, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in two casserole dishes or one large baking dish.
3. Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or sharp cheddar for a more flavorful dish.

Q: How long does the casserole last in the fridge?
A: Leftover pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach,

broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, garlic, pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce, this casserole delivers big flavors and plenty of creamy goodness. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, delicious meal that everyone will love!

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