Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

If you love garlic, Parmesan, and pasta, then this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for you. This recipe brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and lots of melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal that’s great for busy weeknights or for serving a crowd. Stick around to learn how to make this flavorful pasta bake with step-by-step instructions, plus tips on customizing it to fit your taste!

this Recipe

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What is a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

A Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious casserole dish that combines pasta, chicken, and a creamy sauce made with garlic and Parmesan cheese. It’s baked with a layer of melty mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust. The result is a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This dish offers the perfect balance of flavors, with the garlicky cream sauce pairing beautifully with the chicken and pasta.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. This recipe serves about 6-8 people.

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic!)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese blend)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

These ingredients combine to create a creamy, garlicky pasta dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table.

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Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. Here are some easy substitutions and variations to customize it to your liking:

• Pasta Choices: Use any short pasta such as rigatoni, ziti, or elbow macaroni. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works just as well.
• Cheese Varieties: While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices, you can mix in cheddar, Gruyère, or even provolone for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetables: Add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Simply sauté or steam them before mixing into the casserole.
• Meat Options: You can use rotisserie chicken, cooked turkey, or even cooked shrimp instead of raw chicken breasts to save time.
• Healthier Version: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to reduce the fat content. You can also use a low-fat cheese option.

These substitutions allow you to tailor the casserole to fit your preferences while keeping the dish rich and comforting.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but cooked through). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux (this will thicken the sauce). Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

Once thickened, stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and garlic Parmesan sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese and 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. If you like an extra crispy top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake turns out perfect every time:

• Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta until just al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy once baked.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, so sauté it just until fragrant and golden, not brown.
• Skipping the thickening step: Make sure you whisk the flour with the butter and let it cook for about a minute before adding the liquid to avoid a grainy sauce.
• Not seasoning the sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning before combining it with the pasta and chicken to ensure the flavors are balanced.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich and comforting dish, but a few presentation touches can take it to the next level!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Serve the casserole hot, scooping portions directly from the baking dish.
• Pair it with a light side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Offer additional grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for guests who want to customize their servings.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Garnish the top of the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color.
• Serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
• Drizzle a little extra olive oil or truffle oil over the top before serving for added richness.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips

To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) is a great time-saver. Just shred or cube the cooked chicken and mix it into the casserole as directed.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the dish gluten-free.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Definitely! Adding veggies like sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms can bulk up the casserole and add extra nutrients and flavor.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, any short pasta will work for this recipe. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells would all be great options.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
A: Be sure to use enough sauce to coat the pasta well, and cover the casserole with foil if it looks like it’s drying out too much during baking.

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Conclusion

The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich, cheesy, and garlicky dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a true comfort food that’s both easy to make and sure to impress. Plus, with its versatility, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust it to fit your dietary needs. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!

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