Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

If you're looking for a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that will impress your family or guests, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect dish. Loaded with tender chicken, garlic-infused cream sauce, and melted Parmesan, this pasta bake is an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Read on for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to help you create this delicious meal at home.

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What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty, satisfying dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, all baked together in a creamy sauce. The result is a rich, savory dish with a golden, crispy top that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal that doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious pasta bake. These simple, everyday ingredients are likely already in your pantry and fridge, making it easy to whip up this dish in no time.

For the Pasta Bake:

• 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional but recommended for extra gooeyness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
• 2 tablespoon melted butter
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• A pinch of garlic powder (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to make adjustments to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations:

• Protein Substitute: If you don’t have chicken on hand, you can substitute with cooked turkey, sausage, or even shrimp. Vegetarians can omit the meat altogether and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk, and swap the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Cheese Options: While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, cheddar, or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
• Pasta Choices: You can use any type of pasta you like—fusilli, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work well in this dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. It’s a straightforward recipe, perfect even for beginners, and requires minimal effort.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Make the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add 1 ½ cups of Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir the cooked shredded chicken into the sauce, followed by the cooked pasta. Make sure everything is well coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta mixture into it, spreading it evenly. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese (if using) for extra gooeyness.
7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.

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

The key to making the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake lies in balancing the creamy sauce with the right amount of cheese, pasta, and chicken. Follow these additional tips to ensure success:

1. Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. These shapes hold the sauce well, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until just al dente since it will continue to cook while baking. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the oven.
3. Layering the Cheese: For an extra cheesy bake, layer shredded mozzarella between the pasta and on top. This creates a gooey, irresistible texture.
4. Baking to Perfection: Keep an eye on the pasta during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the breadcrumb topping turns golden but doesn’t burn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overcooking the Pasta: As mentioned earlier, it’s important not to overcook the pasta before baking, or it will become mushy.
2. Too Much Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, it may not stick well to the pasta. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens for the best results.
3. Skipping the Topping: The crunchy panko topping is essential for adding texture. Don’t skip this step, as it elevates the dish and adds a delicious contrast to the creamy pasta.
4. Not Enough Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before mixing it with the pasta to ensure it’s well-seasoned. The garlic, salt, and pepper should be well-balanced to bring out the flavors.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving this dish, consider adding some side dishes or garnishes to complement the rich flavors of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

1. Side Dishes: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts make great side dishes to balance out the richness of the pasta bake.
2. Garnishing: Fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness to this dish. You could also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
3. Serve with Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is the perfect accompaniment to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Presentation matters, especially if you’re serving this dish to guests. Here are a few ideas to make your pasta bake look as good as it tastes:

• Serve in Individual Ramekins: For a more formal presentation, divide the pasta bake into individual ramekins before baking. This creates a personal serving that looks elegant and polished.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or even thyme adds vibrant color and freshness to the dish.
• Add a Lemon Wedge: A small wedge of lemon on the side can enhance the flavor of the dish, especially if you’re looking for a touch of brightness to cut through the richness.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well. Assemble the pasta bake, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
• Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth or simmer the sauce a little longer to allow it to thicken before combining with the pasta and chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe? Yes! While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or Asiago for a unique flavor.

2. Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the dish up to 2 days in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake freezes well. Assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen with an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking time.

4. What pasta works best for this recipe? Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti works best because they hold onto the sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy? Cook the pasta until just al dente (1-2 minutes less than the package instructions) since it will continue to cook in the oven.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with a golden, crispy topping. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, yet impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy the rich, savory flavors that everyone will love!

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