Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It features tender chicken breast, a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
- Chicken Breast: 1 pound, boneless and skinless, seasoned and cooked
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
- Topping: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine and Assemble:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and garlic Parmesan sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Notes
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
- For added veggies, mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, Parmesan Pasta, Pasta Bake, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe, Cheesy Pasta Bake