Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

If you're a fan of creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, then you're going to love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe! It's a simple, hearty meal that's perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Loaded with tender chicken, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese, this pasta bake is sure to become a new favorite. Ready to dive into this cheesy goodness? Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious dish from scratch!

What Is a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comfort food classic, combining al dente pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, all baked together in the oven until bubbly and golden. The flavors of garlic and Parmesan complement each other beautifully, while the addition of chicken makes the dish filling and satisfying. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend feast, this pasta bake delivers everything you want in a wholesome, easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients to make sure the process goes smoothly. Here’s what you'll need to make the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, but highly recommended)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

These ingredients work together to create a mouthwatering dish full of cheesy, garlicky goodness. You can adjust some of the amounts depending on your personal taste, but this list provides the ideal balance of flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very flexible and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some great substitution ideas if you want to switch things up:

• Protein: If you don’t have chicken on hand, try using turkey, sausage, or even shrimp. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this dish, and it's a great way to use up any cooked meat you have in your fridge.
• Pasta: You can use any pasta shape you like, though shorter, sturdier shapes like penne or rigatoni are ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you're gluten-free, opt for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.
• Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are a classic combo, you can swap in cheddar, Gruyère, or provolone for a different flavor profile. Love cheese? Add more!
• Sauce: For a lighter version, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or a mixture of broth and cream. If you prefer more tang, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.

Feel free to get creative with these substitutions, as this recipe is incredibly versatile!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this incredible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken (If Needed): If your chicken isn’t pre-cooked, sauté or bake it until fully cooked and set aside. You can shred or cube the chicken depending on your preference.
4. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
   • Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
   • Mix everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Assemble the Pasta Bake:
   • Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
   • For an extra-crispy topping, combine the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
7. Bake:
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
   • If you like an extra crispy topping, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

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

To break it down even further, here’s a concise step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente.
3. Make the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in a skillet.
4. Mix the pasta, chicken, and sauce together.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs.
7. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly, garnish, and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is easy, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so make sure to sauté it over medium heat and keep an eye on it.
• Not thickening the sauce: Make sure the sauce has thickened before mixing it with the pasta and chicken, as a thin sauce won’t adhere to the pasta as well.
• Skipping the broil: Don’t skip the broiling step if you want that golden, crispy topping. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake look as good as it tastes. Here are some tips:

• Use a deep baking dish: This will give the dish height and make it look more substantial.
• Garnish with parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich, cheesy pasta bake.
• Offer garlic bread: Garlic bread or crusty French bread is an excellent side to serve with this dish, providing some crunch and complementing the garlic flavors.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Family-style: Bring the whole baking dish to the table and let everyone serve themselves.
• Individual servings: For a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions, garnishing each with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
• With sides: Pair this rich dish with lighter sides like roasted vegetables or a tangy salad to balance the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

To elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake visually, consider these presentation ideas:

• Use a rustic dish: A ceramic or cast-iron baking dish adds to the homey feel of this comfort food.
• Serve in portions: Cut the pasta bake into neat squares for a tidy presentation when serving guests.
• Add colorful garnishes: In addition to parsley, add a few roasted cherry tomatoes on top for a pop of red.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips

• Double the recipe: This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for a quick meal on a busy day.
• Prep ahead: You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Make it spicier: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle on top before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?
Yes! Assemble the dish but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this pasta bake will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a winner. It’s simple to make, customizable with different ingredients, and perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Try it out today, and it might just become your go-to pasta bake recipe!

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