A Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting Pasta Dish!
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy pasta bake fresh out of the oven. And if you’re a fan of rich garlic-Parmesan flavors, tender chicken, and a golden, crispy topping, then this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is about to become your new favorite comfort meal!
This dish is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s loaded with flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Super Creamy & Cheesy – A velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple steps and one baking dish make this recipe beginner-friendly.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – This pasta bake stores well, making it great for leftovers.
✔️ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, swap the pasta type, or spice it up!
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
To begin, you’ll need 12 ounces of pasta—any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works great.
1️⃣ Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
2️⃣ Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! It will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping it slightly firm ensures it doesn’t turn mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
This recipe calls for two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you’ll cook and dice into bite-sized pieces.
1️⃣ Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring until fragrant.
3️⃣ Toss in the cooked chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until well coated with the seasonings.
4️⃣ Remove from heat and set aside.
💡 Shortcut Option: If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Now, it’s time to create the star of the dish—the rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce!
1️⃣ In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until golden (this helps thicken the sauce).
3️⃣ Gradually add 1 ½ cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4️⃣ Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!).
5️⃣ Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
💡 Sauce Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or extra chicken broth to loosen it up.
At this point, your pasta, chicken, and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce are all ready to come together for the ultimate baked dish. But the best part? The cheesy topping that melts into a golden, bubbly crust in the oven!
Part 2: Assembling the Pasta Bake & Baking to Perfection
At this point, you have your perfectly cooked pasta, seasoned chicken, and rich garlic-Parmesan sauce ready to go. Now, it’s time to layer everything together and bake it until golden, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible!
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Combine the pasta and chicken in the baking dish, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
3️⃣ Pour the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat.
✔️ At this stage, the pasta is already looking incredibly creamy and delicious—but we’re not stopping here! The next step adds that gooey, cheesy goodness that makes this dish a true comfort meal.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
Now it’s time to create that irresistible, golden crust on top!
1️⃣ Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.
2️⃣ Add ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy flavor.
3️⃣ If you love a crispy topping, mix ½ cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese layer.
✔️ Why is this step important?
The combination of melted mozzarella and crispy Parmesan creates a perfectly cheesy and slightly crunchy topping that makes every bite even better.
💡 Customization Tip: Want to add a little extra flair? Try sprinkling chopped cooked bacon or roasted red peppers on top before baking!
Step 6: Bake the Pasta
✔️ Time to bake!
1️⃣ Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
2️⃣ If you want an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
✔️ When it’s done, the top should be golden brown and slightly crispy, while the inside remains creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Once the pasta bake is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop.
✔️ For the final touch: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
At this point, your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is ready to serve! The creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy golden topping all come together in the most comforting and delicious way.
FAQs, Tips, and Conclusion
By now, your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is fresh out of the oven, golden, bubbly, and packed with cheesy goodness. But before you dive in, let’s go over some frequently asked questions, storage tips, and fun variations to make this dish even better the next time you cook it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
✔️ Yes! This is a great make-ahead meal.
✔️ Assemble everything in the baking dish but don’t bake it yet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
✔️ When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.
💡 Pro Tip: If the pasta absorbs too much sauce while sitting, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before baking.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
✔️ Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freezer: Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
✔️ Microwave individual portions with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
✔️ For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
3. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
✔️ Absolutely! This recipe works well with any short pasta, such as:
✔️ Penne
✔️ Rotini
✔️ Rigatoni
✔️ Farfalle (bowtie)
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer long noodles, fettuccine or linguine also work well in this dish!
4. Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
✔️ Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.
✔️ Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for extra protein.
✔️ Replace regular pasta with whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free pasta.
5. Can I Add More Veggies?
✔️ Absolutely! This dish is great with extra vegetables. Try adding:
✔️ Spinach – Stir it in before baking for extra greens.
✔️ Mushrooms – Sauté them with the garlic for added flavor.
✔️ Broccoli or Roasted Red Peppers – Mix them in for a colorful touch!
Fun Variations to Try!
🔥 Spicy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
✔️ Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
✔️ Sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Version
✔️ Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky, crispy bites.
✔️ Top with extra Parmesan cheese before baking!
🧄 Extra Garlic Version
✔️ Double the garlic cloves for an even bolder garlic flavor!
✔️ Roast the garlic beforehand for a sweet, mellow taste.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich, Creamy, and Comforting – Every bite is packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness!
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal effort make this a great go-to dinner.
✔️ Great for Leftovers – It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
✔️ Customizable – Add veggies, swap the pasta, or make it spicy—so many possibilities!
Now It’s Your Turn!
📌 Did you make this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out!
🔥 Love this dish? Share it with friends and family so they can enjoy it too!
🍽️ Enjoy and happy cooking! 🧄🧀✨
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Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta – A Quick & Flavorful Seafood Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic-infused Parmesan sauce, and a golden, crispy topping—perfect for a comforting family meal!
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then stir in the cooked, diced chicken.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
3️⃣ Make the Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden.
- Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in the dish until well coated.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5️⃣ Make the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle over the pasta for extra crunch.
6️⃣ Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy topping.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, garlicky delight!
Notes
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers before baking for extra nutrition.
- Want more flavor? Mix in cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
