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A high-resolution, realistic image of a Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake in a rustic casserole dish, garnished with fresh herbs and a golden crispy cheese topping.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Jordan Mike
Savor our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake—a quick, hearty dish bursting with flavor for busy days and cozy nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken Breast (3-5 pieces): Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein source. If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs are also an option. If you want to skip steps, rotisserie chicken works perfectly.

  • Pasta 12 to 16 ounces: Penne pasta is a classic choice for baked dishes, but you can use rotini pasta or any other shape that traps sauce well. The shape might vary, but the cooking process remains the same.

Grated Parmesan (2-5 tablespoons): Having grated parmesan on hand is critical because it melts easily into the sauce. For added freshness, consider shredding a block of parmesan cheese yourself.

  • Parmesan Cheese 3-6 ounces if you want extra: You can sprinkle a little on top of the pasta. This ingredient helps create the golden crust when the dish bakes.

Garlic Powder (to taste, 1-4 teaspoons): A handy way to amplify garlic flavor. Though fresh garlic is used too, a small hint of garlic powder adds an even layer of flavor.

  • Fresh Garlic 2-4 cloves or to taste: Minced garlic gives a strong, aromatic note to the sauce. You can also roast garlic cloves for a sweeter profile if you like.

Olive Oil (a few tablespoons): Use it to brown or sauté the chicken. A drizzle in the baking dish also prevents sticking and adds flavor.

  • Butter 2-3 tablespoons: Helps create the creamy garlic parmesan sauce base when combined with cream or milk.

Cream or Milk (1-2 cups): This is the main liquid for the creamy sauce. Heavy cream results in a richer texture, while milk offers a lighter touch. You can also consider half-and-half.

  • Seasonings: Beyond garlic powder add salt, pepper, onion powder, and any herbs you like. A typical chicken seasoning might include dried basil or oregano.

Cheese Mix for Topping (optional): Some people like to add mozzarella or cheddar for extra melting effect. If you want to keep it purely a parmesan garlic chicken pasta, stick to parmesan.

  • Pasta Water 1-3 ladlefuls: Reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce and make it cling better to the noodles. Starch from the cup of the pasta cooking liquid assists in emulsifying the sauce.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Gather Everything: Measure out your pasta, seasonings, cream, and cheese. This will help you stay organized.
  • Use Boneless Skinless Chicken: Pat dry the chicken and trim any excess fat.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  • Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add salt to taste.
  • Cook Pasta According to Package: Once the water is boiling, cook pasta according to package instructions. This ensures your noodles reach the ideal texture.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save about 1 cup pasta water. This is handy for loosening the sauce later if it becomes too thick.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

  • Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks or slice the cooked chicken if you used a rotisserie option. If you have raw pieces, keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
  • Chicken in a Bowl: Place your raw chicken in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. This step forms your base chicken seasoning.
  • Add Olive Oil to the Chicken: Drizzle a bit of olive oil onto the chicken, making sure each piece is coated in both oil and seasoning.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

  • Pan Heat: Warm a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter once hot.
  • Add the Seasoned Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken into the skillet, making sure the pieces do not overlap. Cook the chicken until browned on all sides.
  • Check Doneness: Transfer one piece to a cutting board and slice through the thickest part. There should be no pink in the center.
  • If you have pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, you can skip this step or simply reheat the meat in the skillet. The crucial point is that you want tender chicken with a lightly crispy exterior. Remove the chicken from the skillet once cooked.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

  • Sauté Minced Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and stir in the garlic for about 30 seconds to bring out its fragrance. Be careful not to burn it.
  • Add Cream or Milk: Pour in your cream, half-and-half, or milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the Parmesan Cheese: Introduce grated parmesan into the skillet. Whisk until it dissolves and creates a smooth, creamy garlic parmesan sauce. This is your core flavor.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of milk or chicken stock. Alternatively, use some of your reserved pasta water for added creaminess and a glossy finish.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta

  • Add the Chicken Pieces: Once your sauce reaches the desired consistency, add the chicken back to the pan.
  • Pasta to the Skillet: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet as well. Stir until every noodle is coated in sauce. If necessary, use the cup pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  • Taste and Adjust: Season with salt, pepper, or more garlic powder if desired. Feel free to add in the parmesan once more if you want a sharper flavor.

Step 7: Transfer to a Baking Dish

  • Casserole Dish: Pour the saucy chicken and pasta mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish.
  • Top of the Pasta: Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese, or a blend of cheeses, on top of the pasta. This step helps form a golden crust once baked.

Step 8: Bake

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole dish in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles around the edges.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

  • Cooling: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle.
  • Serve With Parmesan Garlic: Grate extra parmesan over each plate if you love this recipe with a cheesy finish. You can also pair it with garlic bread or a small side salad.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 15g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
Categorize the Recipe:
  • Course: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Regular
  • Method: Baked Casserole
  • Keyword: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
  • Skill Level: Easy
Keyword Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake